PETALING JAYA: A tall order awaits Melaka as they try to overcome Sabah in a Super League match at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday.
And height could make the difference in a game which the Mousedeer are desperate for points to move out of the bottom two of the standings.
The hosts are relying on towering Egyptian striker Ahmed Shamsaldin, who stands 1.96m, to rise to the occasion and grab a goal or two.
But the Rhinos have the perfect counter to Shamsaldin in their 1.97m tall Brazilian centreback Gabriel Peres.
An intriguing aerial duel is in store between the two, but Shamsaldin can savour an edge ahead of the clash.
The 32-year-old made an instant impact in his debut for Melaka, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Sabah in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup round of 16 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Jan 22.
Shamsaldin is looking forward to a sequel of his battle with Peres in a game which could go either way.
“Sabah have a quality squad and Gabriel Peres is one of their key players. This will be my second time facing Sabah and him since I arrived in Malaysia,’’ said Shamsaldin, who joined Melaka from Albanian club Kastrioti in January.
Shamsaldin, who has netted five goals in eight appearances across all competitions, expects a much tougher contest this time, especially after Sabah’s recent Challenge Cup triumph.
“They are very well-organised now, especially coming off their Challenge Cup win. But we have the advantage of playing at home.’’
With five matches remaining, Melaka sit 12th in the standings with 14 points from 19 games, just one point behind Kelantan, who have already played 21 matches.
