Baddrol Bakhtiar (left) celebrates his goal with teammate Rizal Ghazali. - Photo by Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Baddrol Bakhtiar produced a vintage performance to help Sabah beat Kelantan United 2-0 in the FA Cup round of 16 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.
The 35-year-old midfielder scored in the 13th minute when he headed home a cross from rightback Rizal Ghazali.
The other goal was scored by another midfielder, Stuart Wilkin, in the 58th minute.
Baddrol was instrumental as a playmaker as he created lots of chances and made late runs into the box to attempt headers and take shots.
It was his strongest performance yet for the Rhinos this season. Prior to this, he only started in one game and made five substitute appearances.
However, with his starring role against Kelantan United, he may get more regular starts and he says he is ready for any role.
“I’m glad we have made it to the quarter-finals and, most importantly, snapped a three-game winless run before this game,” said the former Kedah player.
Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is delighted with the win and, most importantly, a clean sheet.
“The players showed great fighting spirit and played as one,” he said.
Sabah next faces Kelantan in the Super League at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.
