Sabah to 'go hard' in return leg, vows coach Kim Swee

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah coach Ong Kim Swee is confident his team will emerge victorious against Perak in the return leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals following a disappointing 2-2 draw in the first leg on Friday.

The Rhinos took an early lead at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, with striker Darren Lok finding the net in the third minute.

However, Perak quickly equalised when Luciano Guaycochea scored in the ninth minute.

Sabah managed to regain their lead in the 46th minute through Ramon Machado, only for Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor to level the score again in the 54th minute.

Kim Swee's team are set to kick off their AFC Cup Group H campaign against Singapore's Hougang United at Likas Stadium on Sept 21, followed by the return-leg match against Perak in Ipoh four days later.

"We created chances but could not convert them. Perak had a game plan to secure a draw, and they succeeded," said Kim Swee on Friday.

"However, we are determined to perform better in the return leg in Ipoh. The draw is a blessing as it allows us to address our shortcomings before our opening AFC Cup match."

Perak coach Yusri Che Lah said his side were fortunate to secure a draw.

"We were lucky to score two goals against a strong Sabah side. However, my players showed character by bouncing back twice to hold Sabah.

"The draw will motivate my boys for the return leg," said Yusri.

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