Glorious chance to claim victory slips Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah let slip a glorious chance to claim victory as a late penalty miss forced them to share the points with Kedah in their President Cup tie against Kedah yesterday.

The match at the Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Setar ended 0-0.

The Tambadaus Juniors went into the match chasing a third straight win in Group A but head coach Justin Ganai’s worst fear poor finishing - proved to be their Achilles’ Heel.

In a evenly contested first half, the teams created numerous chances but none really threatened the goalkeepers at either end of the pitch.

The first dangerous try of the game arrived in the 59th minute although Sabah could not convert.

Forward Ariusdius Jais aimed his free kick to the far post but an unmarked captain Mohd Aidil Safee directed his header wide from close range.

Sabah were then awarded an indirect free-kick from inside the box after Kedah goalkeeper collected a back pass but midfielder Mohd Syukri Baharun sent his shot directly to the wall.

The Tambadaus Juniors looked lively with their positive approach as the match progressed and one of their attacking moves led to the penalty kick, awarded after midfielder Zulkifly Harun was fell from behind as he burst into the box in the 80th minute.

However, Mohd Izzat Aziz’s shot was too close to the goalkeeper who pushed the ball away to safety.

Sabah had another chance from a counter attack in the 90th minute but Arius’ shot just missed the target with the goalkeeper already beaten.

With the outcome, Sabah have seven points from five matches where they have two wins, one draw and two losses.

The state under-21 side will next face Selangor at the Likas Stadium on April 11.