Jamsari to keep Kelantan at bay

PETALING JAYA: Selangor goalkeeper Jamsari Sabian has served out a long layoff and he is now back at his best. 

In 2003, Jamsari played a key role to help Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) become the first club to win the Malaysia Cup. The following season, he was in the side that gained promotion to the Super League as the Premier League champions. 

Jamsari moved to Selangor at the end of last season but he was out of action for seven months after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury last November. 

He marked his return to form and took over from Shahrizan Ismail as the first-choice goalkeeper in the Sultan of Selangor's Cup match against the Singapore Selection in May. The Selangor Selection won 4-2. 

Then in the Premier League, Jamsari made two crucial penalty saves – against Kedah (July 3) and Brunei (July 6) – to help Selangor win Group A.  

NO WAY THROUGH: Jamsari Sabian is confident Selangor can overcome Kelantan tonight.

At the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Star, Selangor defender Nazrulerwan Makmur brought down Kedah’s Mohd Khairil Muhymeen in the 37th minute when Selangor were leading 1-0. 

Kedah's Marcos Magno managed to put the ball into the net in his first attempt but referee Subkhiddin Salleh ordered the penalty to be retaken after Kedah’s Liew Kit Kong had encroached into the penalty box before the kick was taken. Jamsari palmed away the second attempt by the Brazilian. 

Selangor also had to play the match with nine men for nearly 40 minutes. And Jamsari made crucial saves as Selangor held out for victory. 

The score was 0-0 when Brunei were awarded a penalty in the second half. Jamsari guessed right again to prevent Oluseye Ajayi from putting Brunei in front. Selangor went on to win 3-0 to seal the Group A title and earn promotion to the Super League with a match to spare. 

“The main reason I moved to Selangor was to get new challenges. It also gave me a chance to work with Rashid Hassan (the goalkeepers' coach),” said Jamsari. 

“I was surprised that Selangor were willing to hire me because I was recovering from surgery. I just waited for my time. 

“When the coach (Dollah Salleh) asked me whether I was ready, I only said yes when I was 100% fit. In a team like Selangor, the expectations are high. You can't just go out there if you can't give your best.” 

The 27-year-old Jamsari expects a tough time in the FA Cup quarter-final return leg match against Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium tonight. The first-leg match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

“It was tough playing against Kelantan in Kota Baru two weeks ago. They were dangerous down the flanks,” he said. “I have to watch out for that again tonight.  

“The morale of the players is high now. I am sure we will be able to overcome Kelantan.”