KUALA LUMPUR: It was a perfect day for Sabah in the Borneo derby as they edged Kuching City 2-1 in their Super League clash, setting the stage for a rematch against their neighbours in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
Saddil Ramdani broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, but Kuching's Zahrul Nizwan equalised in the 82nd minute.
Gabriel Peres scored the winner in the 86th minute but marred his performance by being sent off shortly after for a second yellow card.
Despite the red card, interim coach Alto Linus confirmed the Brazilian centre-back will be available for the Malaysia Cup tie.
"It was not easy to play Kuching here as they were in good form, so we are glad to win. All my players showed confidence and unity," said Alto, who recently took over from Ong Kim Swee.
"There are areas to improve, but winning away from home is a positive. Some players are showing progress, and we aim to maintain this momentum.
"Peres' red card was unfortunate, but he remains eligible for the Malaysia Cup clash."
Alto revealed plans to analyse the game video to prepare for the rematch.
"We noticed some shortcomings in Kuching's play, and we will review the footage to study their patterns," he added.
The victory propelled Sabah to second place in the 13-team Super League standings with 29 points from 15 matches, ahead of Selangor on goal difference.
Selangor, however, have played one game fewer.
Johor Darul Ta'zim remain comfortably at the top with 40 points from 14 matches.
Wednesday's results: Perak 1 Kedah 1, Kelantan DN 1 Terengganu 2, Kuching City 1 Sabah 2, Penang 2 Police 0