SABAH FC EMERGE CHAMPIONS OF 2024 SMJ CUP

KOTA KINABALU, May 5 (Bernama) -- Sabah FC emerged as champions of the 2024 SMJ Cup after beating Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC 1-0 in the final match at the Likas Stadium here tonight.

The game’s only goal came in the 63rd minute through a spot kick taken by Ramon Machado after the Brazilian striker was brought down in the penalty box.

Sabah head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said winning the SMJ Cup was a morale boost for the players, however, there was still a lot that needed to be improved ahead of the first Super League match on May 12 against Penang FC.

"It was a fierce match, high intensity, and this is important for us to take to the (Super League) match next week. We learned a lot about our weaknesses, strengths, and injuries," he told reporters here tonight.

He said it was still too early to determine the main line-up and strategy for the first match of the Super League, but the input from the 2024 SMJ Cup would be useful.

KL City head coach Miroslav Kuljanac said he was happy with the players' performance in the SMJ Cup and gained valuable information for the team to face the first Super League game on May 12 against Kuching City FC.

"The players played well, tactically okay. First eleven for the first Super League Game, we still haven't decided. We have ideas for tactics, strategy and formation, but we will evaluate things first," he said.

Kuching City FC finished third after defeating Hougang United FC 2-0 in the third place playoff at the same stadium this evening with goals from Mohd Alauddin Farid (18th minute) and Jordan Mintah (43rd minute).

As winners, Sabah took home RM15,000 in cash along with the SMJ Cup, while runners-up KL City took home RM10,000, Kuching City (RM5,000), and Hougang United (RM3,000).

-- BERNAMA