PETALING JAYA: Sabah interim coach Alto Linus’ tactical changes at half-time saw his side claw their way back to defeat Terengganu 3-1 on Tuesday.
The Rhinos made the long trip to the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, but managed to snatch three points away from the hosts to get their third win of the season.
Having taken over at the helm after Jean-Paul de Marigny abruptly left last Thursday, Linus was pleased to head back to Sabah to celebrate Christmas with an away win.
“I’m thankful for the three points we got from an away match. There are many challenges we’re going through,” said Alto.
“We just played Brunei, and the team haven’t had enough rest.
“But as we were trailing against Terengganu, the turning point came from the players themselves.”
Sabah came into the match having just lost 1-3 to Brunei on Saturday.
In Gong Badak, home side Terengganu got the lead through Akhyar Rashid in the 34th minute, but Sabah made an impact before half-time when Fergus Tierney equalised in added time.
In the second half, Terengganu were in control of the match, but Sabah capitalised on their chances as Ajdin Mujagic scored the second goal in the 73rd minute.
The Bosnian player then made it three for the visitors after converting a penalty in the 89th minute.
Alto added that the team’s pace in the first half was lacking, and a quick reminder in the locker room during the break was all they needed to bounce back.
“There were some small tactical changes for the second half. We saw what Terengganu were not doing, and we took advantage of that.
“We had to turn up the tempo and the players did exactly that,” he said.
Midway through the season, Alto admitted that the team have some catching up to do as they currently sit eighth in the league with 13 points.
“This season, we know the start wasn’t too good. But we are also seeing improvements now.
“And I believe that in the second half of the season, we will only keep improving,” said Alto.
