PETALING JAYA: Struggling Kedah can give a big hand to their goalkeeper Wan Syazmin Wan Rozaimi after holding high-riding Sabah to a 1-1 draw in their Super League clash at the Darul Aman Stadium on Saturday.
The Canaries, whose campaign has been overshadowed by a financial crisis, were expected to be gored by the Rhinos, who are sitting third in the league.
But Syazmin proved to be the difference maker, pulling off a string of crucial saves to help Kedah snap a six-match losing streak.
He admitted that his side did not expect to match Sabah’s intensity.
“We can’t compete at the same level as Sabah,” said Syazmin. “But our passion and drive kept us going.
“Sabah are so strong with their quality foreign players, but as the match progressed, we grew in confidence.
“We may have been tired towards the end, but we stayed spirited and supported one another until the final whistle.”
Kedah, however, surprised their tougher visitors by taking the lead after 16 minutes via a penalty by midfielder Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik.
Sabah hit back in the second half through national striker Darren Lok with a thunderous strike from 20m in the 61st minute.
Meanwhile, at the Selayang Stadium, another goalkeeper also stole the show as Police shattered Terengganu’s hopes of a top-four finish in the league with a gritty 1-0 win.
The Cops owed much of the victory to the heroics of young custodian Nor Hakeem Hamidun.
Police coach Eddy Gapil was full of praise for their keeper.
“Hakeem was outstanding. He came in and delivered – he saved us in so many crucial moments,” said Eddy.
“All our players deserve chances, and Hakeem showed what he’s capable of. He’s enjoying every opportunity, and it’s showing on the pitch.”
Midfielder Imran Samso emerged as the match winner, scoring three minutes into the second half to seal Police’s seventh win of the season.
