Sabah FC failed to capitalise on home advantage as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Kelantan The Real Warriors FC in their first home match of the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 season at the Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu.
The result meant both sides walked away with a point each, a disappointing outcome for the Rhinos who had hoped to mark their Likas debut this season with a victory.
From the start, Sabah found it difficult to break through Kelantan’s compact defensive shape, with several attacking moves shut down before they could gain momentum. The hosts were also repeatedly caught offside, with Darren Lok flagged in the 25th minute, followed by Jafri Firdaus Chew in the 33rd, and new foreign signing Fergus Tierney soon after.
Kelantan, meanwhile, looked lively on the counter and tested the home defence on two or three occasions but were equally unable to find a breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.
Sabah emerged more aggressive after the break, piling pressure on Kelantan with free-kicks, corners, and long throw-ins from Daniel Ting, which caused problems but failed to produce a finish.
The biggest chance of the night came in the 63rd minute when Darren Lok found himself one-on-one with Kelantan goalkeeper Damyanov Damyan, only to see his effort denied. Two minutes later, Jafri Firdaus Chew also went close, but once again, Damyan proved equal to the task.
The hosts thought they had finally broken the deadlock late in the game when substitute Muhammad Farhan Roslan delivered a teasing cross that Azhad Harraz Arman turned into the net—but the effort was ruled out for offside.
In the end, Sabah were left to rue their missed chances as the match ended 0-0, a result that leaves head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee with plenty to reflect on as his side continues their Super League campaign.
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
