Still hopeful: Kuching City FC striker Abu Kamara believes his team can come out triumphant against Sabah in the second-leg quarter-final tie. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Striker Abu Kamara reckons the fight is not over yet for Kuching City as they can still defy the odds by getting the better of Sabah in the return quarter-final leg of the Malaysia Cup at the Likas Stadium tomorrow.
Sabah, coached by Datuk Ong Kim Swee, have a slender 1-0 lead after the first leg last week, thanks to a Baddrol Bakhtiar strike in the 69th minute.
But Liberian striker Kamara said despite the one-goal deficit, Kuching City fancy their chance to secure a historic semi-final appearance in the prestigious competition.
“Sabah are certainly the favourites on paper but it is not a comfortable position for them.
“It was actually a good match last week because Sabah only scored one goal and we also fought well and hard but a small mistake punished us.
“But this time we are going to Likas bent on winning and if Sabah can score one goal, why not us? I believe we can do something.
“Sabah are indeed strong opponents compared to us who are only a small team but we have a strong fighting spirit at this point. This is a big, big match for us,” said the 25-year-old.
The Premier League minnows earned their best achievement in the Malaysia Cup after knocking out Super League team Penang 4-3 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals this season.
“Getting to the quarter-finals is not easy and I am happy to be part of this achievement.
“We just need to do more to try and create history for the team to qualify for the semi-finals.”
Meanwhile, Kuching City coach Irfan Bakti said anything can happen in football.
“There is another 90 minutes left to play. We may not be the favourites but I believe we have a chance to create an upset,” said Irfan, who achieved the treble with Kedah in 2007.
Another return leg quarter-final action will see Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) clash against Kelantan FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
JDT have the upper hand against Kelantan as they lead by three goals after the first leg in Kota Baru last week.
