Sabah wants to ‘surprise’ Tok Gajah

DBasia.news – Even though it is considered to be not an option, Sabah remains keen to give a fierce match to Pahang and steal points at Darul Makmur Stadium, tomorrow night which is also the first match for the Sang Badak in Malaysia Cup after six years.

The manager, Jelius Ating admitted Pahang is a strong team in all positions but it does not mean they can not win the FA Cup despite playing in the opponent’s field.

“We have not met Pahang for a long time, but I know that they are strong and steady in all positions and will play in front of thousands of their supporters.

“We have seen a video match on Pahang this season and we have a unique strategy to rival them. In football nothing is impossible, we can take the example of the World Cup this year, many underdog teams make a surprise,” he said.

Jelius said his expectation of tomorrow’s match was to collect points, not to mention winning or draw.

“The match tomorrow is our first Malaysian Cup match after over six years (failing to qualify) and we want to start the campaign well even though though it’s not an option,” he said.

Jelius, meanwhile, said he would remain the 11 frontlines to face the Tok Gajah squad except accepting Dendy Lowa in again to replace Evan Wensley Wenceslaus.

“Dendy is back on track to start the game, but we are still missing out on import players, Keisuke Ogawa and the Kenib Genius who have not fully recovered from injury,” he said.

Jelius is expected to place Rozaimie Rohim as the main goalkeeper assisted by four defenders, Dendy, Rawilson Batuil, Randy Baruh and Francis Kasonde.

Sabri Sahar will be assisting midfielder Mohd Azzizan Nordin, Maxsius Musa and Hamran Peter while two import strikers, Hector Omar Ramos and Rodoljub Paunovic remain goal hunters.