Pointing to the heavens: Sabah’s Gabriel Peres (left) celebrating with teammates after scoring against Kuala Lumpur during their Super League match at the Cheras Football Stadium. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah defender Gabriel Peres’ last-gasp equaliser against Kuala Lumpur in their Super League match at the Cheras Football Stadium on Wednesday meant the world to the Brazilian.
For the 28-year-old centreback, it was a golden goal that welcomed him back to the game he loved so much after being away for far too long due to a knee injury.
Peres’ unbridled joy and emotions were for all to see, as he sprinted towards the Sabah supporters with arms outstretched after saving the Rhinos from the jaws of defeat.
As his teammates swarmed around him, tears glistened in his eyes as he is finally living the moment he had dreamed of during lonely, gruelling months of recovery.
“I have no words to describe this moment,” said Peres.
“I just have to thank God above all and my family, teammates and the coaching staff who always trusted me.
‘’We’re all a family, united by a purpose.”
Peres said the goal was more than a statistic - it was proof that perseverance has its reward.
“This goal is not just mine. It belongs to everyone who never stopped believing in me when I couldn’t be on the pitch. It’s for them.”
Against the City Boys, Sabah found themselves trailing after New Zealand rightback Dane Ingham’s unfortunate own goal in the 65th minute.
Just as the clock ticked past 90 minutes and hope began to fade, Sabah were awarded a free-kick which was deftly taken by midfielder Stuart Wilkin, and met with a perfectly timed leap from Peres for the equaliser.
As for KL coach Risto Vidakovic, he called the late strike “the worst feeling” for his side.
“We had chances to finish off the game, especially in the second half. We controlled the match after Sabah played with one player less when Dean (Pelekanos) was sent off in the 43rd minute,” said the Bosnian.
“We didn’t deserve this draw, we needed the three. But this is football, it happens.’’
