Show-stealer: Sabah’s Park Tae-su (left) celebrates after scoring against Terengganu. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Sabah’s South Korean midfielder Park Tae-su is more known for his work rate and aggression in the middle of the park.
But these days, the player fondly known as ‘Karim’ among Sabah fans, is popping up at the right places to score goals, and his latest victims are Terengganu.
The 33-year-old headed in a brace in the 72nd and 79th minutes as the Rhinos edged the Turtles 2-1 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.
Terengganu’s goal came via Manuel Ott in the 45th minute.
But it was Tae-su who stole the show as he made full use of two set-pieces by captain Baddrol Bakhtiar.
Sabah coach Ong Kim Swee was happy that his charges showed character to bounce back after their 1-2 loss to league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) last week.
“It was important that the players show great spirit and come back after a loss,’’ he said.
‘’In the first-half, we created lots of chances but didn’t convert them. But I always emphasise the importance of scoring from set-pieces. Corners and freekicks, we must take advantage of it. And that happened with Tae-su scoring two.’’
Kim Swee now has to ensure he manages his players well for the next 11 days as they have to play three games within that period.
Jackson Souza limped off against Terengganu with an ankle injury but he hopes it’s nothing serious.
“In Jackson’s case, we’re waiting for the doctor’s advice. I also have to think about the fitness of the other players ahead of our tight schedule.”
Sabah play Selangor in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, then have two league games against Petaling Jaya City (July 26) and Melaka (July 31).
They remain second in the league with 25 points from 12 games while Terengganu are fifth with 16 points from 10 matches.
