PETALING JAYA: Penang-born Jafri Firdaus Chew turned out to be his home state’s nemesis when he produced one of the goals of the Super League season to spark a come-from-behind win for Sabah.
The 28-year-old stunned the Likas Stadium when he rifled home a 40m equaliser in the 56th minute, collecting a short pass from Spanish playmaker Miguel Cifuentes before unleashing a swerving drive that left the Penang defence and goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid helpless.
That moment of brilliance shifted the momentum entirely, sparking Sabah’s 3-2 comeback win in Kota Kinabalu.
“I’m very satisfied with the goal because before this, I could only do it during training. But now, it happened in a real match,” said Jafri.
Penang, however, had started as the brighter side.
Australian winger Dylan Wenzel-Halls struck twice in the 17th and 39th minutes, punishing Sabah’s defensive lapses. The hosts kept themselves in the contest through Bosnian striker Ajdin Mujagic, who pulled one back in the 22nd minute.
After Jafri’s equaliser, Sabah pushed forward with renewed confidence, and wingback Daniel Ting completed the turnaround with a composed finish in the 70th minute. Jafri, who hails from Butterworth, Penang, has contributed two goals and three assists in the FA Cup, and now has one goal and one assist from eight Super League appearances.
“I’m confident I can offer even more to help the team achieve something sweeter.”
Sabah coach Jean-Paul de Marigny praised his side’s determination but admitted they must tighten up defensively.
“The goals we conceded were cheap, and a striker like Dylan will punish you.”
De Marigny also dismissed rumours that Brazilian centreback Gabriel Peres had left the club after missing several games in the league and FA Cup.
“He returned to Brazil for knee rehabilitation. He’s working extremely hard and will be back on Dec 23,” he clarified.
Sabah now sit ninth in the league with seven points from nine matches, while Penang are 11th on five.
Sabah’s next test is the FA Cup semi-final second leg against Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Nov 30, while Penang have two weeks to prepare for their next Super League fixture, also against Selangor, at the City Stadium in George Town on Dec 7.
