Solid show: Dominic Tan celebrates his goal with Saddil Ramdani. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Sabah are on course to finish third in the Super League for the third straight season.
The Rhinos just need one more win to achieve their aim after edging Police 1-0 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.
They are also assured of a top-four finish after building a seven-point gap from fifth-placed Terengganu.
Sabah, who have 39 points from 22 games, have also confirmed a spot in the Asean Club Championship next season.
Against Police, centreback and captain Dominic Tan took centrestage for Sabah when he headed home off a corner from winger Saddil Ramdani in the 42nd minute.
He also gave a solid defensive display to help Sabah keep a clean sheet. Sabah were made to sweat till the end as Police tried their hardest in search of an equaliser but the home side stayed resolute.
Sabah coach Martin Stano is glad that his charges finally snapped a four-game draw streak by winning a tough game in front of the home crowd.
“I had warned the players this game will be tough. Especially after Ramadan and Hari Raya, a month without competitive matches, it is difficult to come back to usual levels,” said the Slovakian.
“We weren’t in the game the first 10 minutes and we struggled in the first-half. In the second-half, we were better and much stronger but it was an open game as both sides created many chances.
‘’We’re happy with the win, especially in Likas. We are now one step closer to our target of finishing third.”
Sabah will next take on Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday.
