KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC lost 1-3 at home in their last Group H match to PSM Makassar in the AFC Cup at the Likas Stadium here last night.
The result, however, did not change Sabah’s position on top of Group H with 12 points from four wins and two losses and the Rhinos had already confirmed their slot in the semi-finals of the Asean zone.
PSM Makassar began the game aggressively and got ahead in the 15th minute through midfielder Yakob Sayuri’s thunderous shot from outside the penalty box to beat experienced goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s men heaved and shoved but failed to make headway until a PSM Makasar striker’s shot was deflected by defender Dominic Tan to concede an own goal to put PSM Makassar ahead 2-0 in the 35th minute.
Sabah tried to bounce back in the second half and their insistence paid off when import player Telmo Castanheira’s header in the 72nd minute closed the gap to 1-2.
However, the home supporters went home without much fanfare when referee Ammar Abrahim Hasan Mahfoodh awarded a penalty kick in the fifth minute of extra-time to PSM Makassar after Rizal Ghazali fouled an opponent in the penalty box.
Everton Nascimemto calmly converted the penalty kick to seal a 3-1 win for PSM Makassar who finished third in Group H. — BERNAMA
