Smile!: Ramon Machado taking a wefie with Sabah fans. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Brazilian striker Ramon Machado has made an instant impact with Sabah after scoring a brace in his debut as the Rhinos edged Kuching City 4-3 in their Super League thriller at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Machado struck in the 27th and 93rd minutes. Sabah’s two other goals came from Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani (12th) and Stuart Wilkin (58th).
Kuching City scored through Abu Kamara (67th and 86th minutes) and Amir Amri Salleh (55th).
Machado, who joined Sabah last week from Azerbaijani club Gabala, said he was surprised with the great start as his aim was to just help the team win.
“I’m elated as I just wanted to help the team win in my first game. But to score two goals, one coming in injury time when the score was 3-3, was really special,’’ said Machado.
“I’m happy to have adapted quickly and I’m getting along fine with all my new teammates. We are now focused on the next match against Pahang on Saturday as the team want to continue their winning run.”
Meanwhile, Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, while happy with Machado’s display, was livid with the players for their lapses in focus which almost cost the team dearly.
“Frankly, we were lucky to get a winner in injury time. This is a problem we always face. Whenever we’re leading, we lack focus. We wasted a 3-1 lead and made it difficult for ourselves.’’
Sabah are fourth in the league with 30 points, while Kuching City remain 13th with six.
