LACK OF CONFIDENCE COST US THE GAME - SABAH FC

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Sabah FC head coach Martin Stano attributed his team's 4-0 loss to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in last night's Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium to a lack of confidence among his players.

The Slovakian coach explained that while the Rhinos managed to control the game in the first half, they struggled in the second half.

“We performed well in the first half, holding possession and creating several scoring opportunities, while also limiting JDT's player movement,” he said.

“However, after JDT scored their first goal through a free kick in the 51st minute, our players lost confidence, allowing JDT to take control of the match. This ultimately led to us conceding four goals and losing the game,” he added during the post-match press conference.

Despite the defeat, Stano remains optimistic about Sabah FC's goal of finishing in the top three of the Super League this season.

“Although we lost, I am still proud of the players' performance, especially during the first 45 minutes when we showcased what Sabah FC is capable of,” he added.

Meanwhile, JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio praised his team's maturity and confidence, particularly in the second half of the game.

“The first half was tough. It was challenging because the players couldn't control the pace, but the second half was different. We played better, with the players showing more patience in creating goals.

“After the first goal, the players displayed more quality and intensity, with greater dynamism. We focused more on ourselves, and it showed on the pitch,” said the Argentinian.

In last night's game, JDT triumphed 4-0, with Juan Muniz Gallego and Bergson Da Silva each scoring two goals.

The victory sees JDT comfortably atop the Super League, with 49 points from 17 matches, boasting 16 wins and one draw.

-- BERNAMA