Perseverance: Baddrol Bakhtiar (with bandage) in action for Sabah. — Photo by Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: If there is one man who deserved to be named player of the match in the clash between Selangor and Sabah in the Super League at the Likas Stadium on Thursday, it has to be Baddrol Bakhtiar.
The 35-year-old veteran midfielder not only scored the winning goal in the 66th minute but went on to complete 90 minutes, even though his head was bleeding after a collision with Selangor centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar in the 80th minute.
Sabah drew first blood in the 24th minute when winger Saddil Ramdani converted a penalty, but Selangor equalised through their own winger Faisal Halim in the 53rd minute.
Baddrol had the last laugh when he scored from a 20m free-kick to ensure the Rhinos maintain their unbeaten run at the Likas Stadium this season with a 2-1 win.
After the final whistle, blood was still dripping from Baddrol’s bandaged head but he said the desire to get the win for his team helped him to overcome the pain.
“I just wanted to get the win for Sabah for our fans. Not forgetting my wife and kids too, as they were in the stadium,” he said.
“I’m just happy to get the three points. The pain in my head was not an issue.”
Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee sang Baddrol’s praises, saying his experience was crucial for the side.
“His experience is making a difference for us. He is good with his set-pieces and has excellent vision. His finishing is good too.He is a good leader and communicates with everyone, from youngsters to foreigners, which is admirable. Baddrol is crucial for us.’’
Although it was a challenging game, Kim Swee was happy the team maintained their six-game winning run in Likas.
“In the first half, we controlled the game but had to fight hard in the second. That passion and fight were what I wanted to see. It was key to us staying unbeaten in Likas.”
The only blemish was Darren Lok being stretchered off injured.
“Too early to say about Darren. We will wait for the doctor’s report.”
As for Kim Swee’s counterpart Tan Cheng Hoe, he praised Sabah for their fighting display.
“In Likas, they are aggressive. Tactically, they played in a different shape. As for us, we weren’t ourselves,’’ said Cheng hoe.
“We needed to maintain our four-game winning momentum, but it did not happen. Sabah were hungrier than us.’’
Selangor remained second in the league with 22 points, while Sabah moved to third with 20. Both teams have played 10 matches.
The league takes a two-week break until May 18 for the SEA Games in Cambodia.
