Dominating form: Sabah’s Darren Lok (left) trying to get past a Kelantan player in the Super League match at the Likas Stadium last week. Sabah won 6-1. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Sabah will be relying on their proud home record as they aim for their fifth victory at Likas Stadium against the in-form Selangor in the Super League today.
Sabah secured a huge 6-1 win over Kelantan at home just before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break on April 19 while Selangor also showed their might by trouncing Terengganu 5-1 in their home match on April 18.
This promises to be an intense clash against the two teams who are currently guided by former national coaches where defeats will dent their hopes of challenging super-charged leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) for the league title. Sabah had beaten Police 4-0, Kelantan United 3-1 and Penang 5-2 in their first three matches.
“We are on the track by having 100% record at home and we need to take full advantage of the coming matches to ensure that we are not too far off in the challenge for the league title,” said Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee.
“We need to continue the momentum and also focus on one area where we need to also improve our away record.”
Sabah’s two defeats against JDT (4-0) and KL (2-0) were in away matches while they managed a 1-1 draw against Pahang in Kuantan with a 2-1 win over Sarawak was their only victory outside Likas Stadium.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s Selangor have been a transformed side after their heavy 4-0 defeat to JDT on March 17 and have won their next four matches quite convincingly.
However, beating Sabah at their fortress will be a massive challenge for Selangor as the result will also determine their chances of staying close to leaders JDT who are ahead by five points (27).
Meanwhile, Police were the surprise package at the start of the season by remaining in the top six but three defeats in a row has seen them dropping to 10th position.
Police coach Azzmi Aziz wants his team to bounce back from their slump but it will be a difficult task against a rejuvenated Kuala Lumpur side at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras tonight.
“We cannot deny the strength of our rivals but we are in a must-win situation and we need to take the fight to KL for a positive outcome,” said Azzmi.
However, KL have secured wins over Perak (1-0) and Sabah (2-0) at home and Kedah away (3-2) and it will not be easy for Police to stop the confident City Boys tonight.
