PETALING JAYA: Sabah can thank the fine partnership of Gonzalo Di Renzo and Darren Lok up front for their 2-0 home win over Terengganu in the Super League yesterday.
Sabah assistant manager Alto Linus, who took charge as coach Juan Torres Garrido is suspended, hailed the combination as the catalyst for their third league win of the season.
“Renzo showed his experience as he has played in the Spanish League before. He complements Darren’s style very well. We have two seasoned strikers who will be a big threat to our opponents,’’ said Alto.
The match at the Likas Stadium, scheduled for a 5pm kick-off, was delayed by 20 minutes due to bad weather.
The waterlogged pitch left players struggling to string together clean passes.
Sabah took the lead in the 19th minute when Spanish centreback Kadete Lopez launched a long ball from his own area which deceived Terengganu goalkeeper Suhaimi Hussin after an awkward bounce, and the ball rolled into the net.
The second goal was a beauty as Darren flicked the ball on for Argentinian striker Di Renzo, whose sweet half-volley beat Suhaimi in the 24th minute.
Terengganu were down to 10 men in the 42nd minute after Romel Romales was sent off by referee Mohd Yaasin Tun Mohd Hanafiah.
Romales had pushed Sabah’s Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Flere and then swung a punch at New Zealander Dane Ingham, without making contact.
Terengganu coach Nafuzi said the rain had affected his players before kick-off.
“The rain before the game affected the rhythm of our players. We couldn’t play our usual game. The first goal was a mistake that shouldn’t have happened. To come back with 10 men is tough,” he said.
Sabah are now fifth with 10 points from six matches while Terengganu lie ninth with five from six games.
