Pushing the limits: Sabah’s Dominic Tan (centre) and Darren Lok vying for the ball with a Macarthur player during the AFC Cup Asean Zone semi-final match. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Without any games for almost three months, it was tough for Sabah to upstage the mighty Macarthur in the AFC Cup Asean Zone semi-final.
The lack of match fitness was telling as the Rhinos were humbled 0-3 by the A-League club in the semi-final encounter at the Campbelltown Stadium in New South Wales yesterday.
Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said the experience was good but hopes that preparation for another high-level tournament, which is the AFF Club Championship, will be better.
“It’s a good learning experience for our boys. We are looking forward to the new season in Malaysia. We will also compete in the AFF Club Championship,” he said.
“We have learned how to handle high-intensity games. I hope the management will always support us and let us compete in higher-level tournaments.
“Unfortunately, the transition period of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) calendar happens this year.
“We usually start in February but now we are starting the season on the same date as other Asian nations.
“After this game, we will be in the off-season because we only start in May.”
In the game against Macarthur, Mexican midfielder and captain Ulises Davila scored the first goal in the 40th minute when he received a pass from winger Jed Drew and beat Sabah centreback Park Tae-su with a swift turn and unleashing a shot past goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
From being a provider, 20-year-old Drew became a goalscorer with two beautiful left-footed finishes in the 46th and 80th minute.
“We lacked match fitness. In the second half, we conceded quickly, which affected our rhythm. The boys showed a good attitude even though we knew it would not be easy. We tried to come back but conceded the third,” said Kim Swee.
“The captain (Ulises Davila) made a lot of difference too.
“We came up with a plan. We did well until the first goal, where we lacked concentration.
“Macarthur have better quality and they have players that can change the game anytime.”
Macarthur will face fellow A-League side Central Coast Mariners in the Asean Zone final on Feb 22.
