SABAH FC AIM FOR CRUCIAL WIN AT HOME TOMORROW

KOTA KINABALU, July 24 (Bernama) -- Sabah FC are on a mission to secure three points at home against Negeri Sembilan FC in the Super League match at the Likas Stadium here tomorrow night.

Head Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said the victory was crucial to boosting the Rhinos’ morale after their recent setbacks, having been ousted by Terengganu FC in the FA Cup Quarterfinals with a 0-7 aggregate and losing 1-3 to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the league.

He acknowledged that Negeri Sembilan were dangerous opponents with a strong lineup, but that Sabah were determined to fight for the win.

"We will refocus on the Super League match. The game against Negeri Sembilan is very important for us to regain confidence and ensure that Sabah does not lose any more points, thereby improving our position in the Super League table.

"We have prepared tactically and mentally, and enhanced the players' capabilities to give a high level of commitment to achieve a positive result," he said in a statement tonight.

Sabah are currently in fifth place in the Super League with seven points from four matches, while Negeri Sembilan is in 13th place, having only managed to secure three points in four matches.

Commenting on the squad, Kim Swee said several young players from Sabah FC II have joined some training sessions with the senior squad and he did not rule out the possibility of giving them a chance to play tomorrow.

"We are giving them the opportunity to gain experience; they are participating in training to build chemistry with the existing players. Some players from the Super League squad have been moved to the Sabah FC II team.

"We want to evaluate first before deciding whether they will be given a chance to play tomorrow night. It all depends on them," said Kim Swee.

-- BERNAMA