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KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Farid Ideris’ solitary strike helped Sabah FA notch their first Malaysian Super League win after defeating Kedah FA at the Likas Stadium last night.

The lanky striker struck the only goal from just outside the box after picking up a clearance from the Kedah keeper Muhd Al-Hafiz Hamzah.

It started from M. Sivakumar who sent a long ball into the Kedah penalty box, and the hardworking Zainizam Marjan challenged, but the keeper managed to palm the ball away and Farid unleashed a first-timer that went into the back of the net.

But the victory came at a heavy price for Sabah, as utility player, Sivakumar limped out of the game with a broken right leg after getting a hard tackle from Mohd Faizal Abdul Bakar, who was shown his second yellow, to eventually see him getting the marching orders in the 77th minute. Earlier, he was shown the yellow card for a foul on Sabri Sahar.

It could have been 2-0 for Sabah, but unfortunately, Sumardi Hajalan failed to convert a penalty kick as his shot hit the right side of the goalpost.

It was a deserving win for the home side as they put on a convincing show that definitely delighted the about three thousand fans that turned up for the clash despite the downpour.

Sabah were the first to try Kedah’s custodian but Farid’s grounder went wide.

This was followed by Kedah where Mohd Faizal’s glancing header hit the goalpost.

Then Mohd Sabree Mat Abu saw his close range attempt blocked by Sabah custodian Azizon Abd Kadir.

In the 29th minute, Sabah were denied what was seen as a sure penalty when Zainizam Marjan was brought down by Mohd Fauzi Nan inside the box, but the match official Shokri Nor from Penang instead awarded Sabah a corner kick.

Then in the 50th minute, Sabah were presented with a golden opportunity to extend their lead when this time Shokri pointed to the spot after Farid was fouled inside the box by V. Thirumurugan.

Sumardi stepped up to take the spot kick that hit the goalpost.

In the 56th minute, Kedah squandered another opportunity as Wan Mohd Asyraf Wan Ali failed to connect a cross with Azizon already beaten.

Then Zainizam Marjan saw his close range diving header go wide.

In injury time, Kedah managed to put the ball into the back of the Sabah net but fortunately for the home side, it was disallowed after Mohd Sabree was adjudged to have fouled Azizon before he shot at goal.

Sabah’s next tie is at home to Johor FC on Tuesday.