PETALING JAYA: One person stood tall even as Kuching City’s campaign ended in the Malaysia Cup.
Their fullback Rames Lai Ban Huat (pic) scored the equaliser in the team’s 1-1 draw against Sabah in the second leg, becoming the oldest scorer of the competition at the age of 43.
The former Sarawak player finished off a superb diagonal cross from Namibian international midfielder Petrus Shitembi by placing a header past Sabah goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 57th minute.
Sabah drew first blood in the 27th minute when fullback Rizal Ghazali tapped in a superb freekick from Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani.
Sabah won the tie 4-1 on aggregate after winning the first-leg 3-0 in Kuching.
But Rames will be remembered as he has etched his name in the history books.
“At my age, I just want to give my best and repay the faith shown by the coach (Aidil Sharin). The goal happened because of the team’s hard work,” said Rames.
“Despite our exit, we hope the 1-1 draw will be a boost for us in our bid to move out of the relegation zone in the Super League.
“In every game, we learn and keep progressing. I know I can still give my best at this age for the club,” added Rames, who is eager to impart his knowledge to the youngsters too.
Kuching will now shift their attention towards the league as they look to come out from the bottom spot.
Meanwhile, Pahang reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup after beating M3 side Harini 5-2 on aggregate in the last 16.
After beating Harini 3-2 in the first-leg, the Elephants further extended the lead by beating them 2-0 at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan yesterday.
Their Liberian striker Kpah Sherman scored the first goal by unleashing a beautiful bicycle kick in the 42nd minute and the 31-year-old netted his second in the 50th minute when he finished off a Sergio Aguero cross with a header.
