| |
| GOAL-SCORER … Zainizam Marjan (left) being challenged by Pahang defender Mohd Zaiza Zainal Abidin.. |
Sabah registered their first back-to-back victory after edging Pahang 2-0 at the Likas Stadium last night, and that could see them move three points clear of the relegation zone in the Malaysian Super League challenge.
They scored one goal each in each half of the tie with both Shahrul Azhar Ture and Zainizam Marjan putting their names on the scoresheet.
The feat also helped newly appointed head coach Justin Ganai keep a 100 per cent record since he replaced Gary Phillips last Wednesday.
The team has scored two victories, scoring four goals and conceding none (from two games), a record that only shows that their revival is surely on the right track.
But Sabah had to wait until the 36th minute to score the opener when Shahrul Azhar Ture cleverly headed a Julamri Muhammad cross from the left side of the field.
A minute earlier, Zainizam saw his shot from just outside the penalty box rattle the crossbar.
But the opening half of the game saw not many chances from both sides with Mafry Balang’s header going wide.
After the break, Mohd Farid Ideris squandered the opportunity to increase their lead. However, his effort from inside the box was palmed away by the keeper.
In the 63rd minute, Sabah was denied another opportunity from extending their lead as both Zainizam and Farid failed to connect a low cross from Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman.
Sabah was not to be denied from extending the lead through Zainizam.
He slotted home a grounder that defeated the hapless onrushing Pahang custodian Mohd Rosfaizol Azuar.
Sabah next take on Harimau Muda A, their third consecutive home tie on Sunday.
