KOTA KINABALU: Sabah coach Jelius Ating attributed his side’s 2-1 win over Selangor in Saturday’s Malaysia Cup Group D match to hard work and fighting spirit.
Selangor took the lead in the 79th minute through Sean Eugene Selvaraj before Sabah fought back with goals from substitutes Rahman Shah Marajeh (82nd) and Ricco Nigel Milus (90th).
Jelius said his side showed character and great determination to bounce back from a goal down to earn all three points.
“They did not give up and worked hard throughout the match, and also showed tremendous fighting spirit against the fancied Selangor,” said Jelius at Likas Stadium on Saturday.
“We rarely beat Selangor and this win is a huge motivation. Selangor did great, but we did not allow them to dictate the pace of the match,” said Jelius.
Sabah and Pahang have each collected seven points after three matches but the latter lead the group on goal difference, followed by Perak SEDC (three) and Selangor (zero).
“We are surprised with our promising run in the Malaysia Cup. However, we still need to work on our weaknesses, especially in midfield, to earn a quarter-final spot,” Jelius added.
Results
Group A — Terengganu 2 Felcra 2;
Group B — Melaka 2 Police 2;
Group C — Kelantan 1 JDT 0, Kedah 3 Mifa 2;
Group D — Sabah 2 Selangor 1, Perak SEDC 0 Pahang 1