In high spirits: Sabah players posing before their game against Abu Dhabi. — Sabah Football Association Women’s Team
PETALING JAYA: Sabah finished last in their group at the AFC Women’s Champions League but the experience has been priceless.
On Wednesday, the team coached by Justin Ganai completed their Group A fixtures with a 2-2 draw against Abu Dhabi Country Club at the Hankou Culture Sports Centre.
They were down to 10 women after goalkeeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan was sent off in the 23rd minute but that did not deter them from holding their opponents.
Sabah’s goals were scored by Japanese playmaker Eri Narita (10th minute) and striker Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli (77th), while Abu Dhabi’s goals came via midfielder Rashida Ibrahim (30th) and Eugenia Tetteh (44th).
In their earlier group matches, they had lost 0-3 to Hyundai Steel Red Angels and 0-7 to Wuhan Jiangda.
Justin gave credit to his players.
“For more than an hour, we had to play with 10 women. It was not easy at all but the fighting spirit shown by them was something else. We are out but I am proud of how we ended this campaign,” said Justin.
“Maybe it could have been different if we had played with 11. Congratulations to Abu Dhabi for qualifying.
“This was a very good experience for the players. It’s a shame that we couldn’t give every player a chance to play because we wanted to finish with a win.”
Hyundai topped the group with seven points, while Abu Dhabi were the group runners-up with five points.
Justin now wants his charges to win the ongoing National Women’s League (NWL) again to stand a chance of playing in the Champions League.
“If we can win the league, I am sure we will come back stronger in the continental competition,” he said.
“We will make sure to prepare well, form a strong squad and produce better results in 2025.”
Sabah are currently third in the NWL with 21 points from nine games. Kelana United are top with 27 points from 10 matches, while Selangor are second with 22 points from 10 games.
