Sabah FC showed incredible resilience to salvage a 1-1 draw against KL City FC in the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 at the KLFA Stadium, Cheras, on Wednesday night,
The City Boys lined up with Quincy Kammeraad in goal, captain Giancarlo Gallifuoco marshalling the defence, and Kpah Sherman spearheading the attack. The Rhinos countered with Damien Lim between the posts, midfield playmaker Miguel Cifuentes pulling the strings, and skipper Dominic Tan leading the charge.
KL City entered the match seeking back-to-back wins after defeating Imigresen FC in their opener, while this was Sabah’s first Super League outing of the 2025–2026 season.
The hosts set an early high tempo, with Manuel Hidalgo threatening in the opening minutes. Sabah responded with a long-range effort that drifted off target, followed by a dangerous 11th-minute shot that was confidently saved by Kammeraad.
The visitors went even closer in the 16th minute when a strike rattled the underside of the crossbar but stayed out, keeping the game goalless. Both sides traded attacks, but neither could find the net by the half-hour mark.
Sabah’s night took a major turn just before half-time when Dean Pelekanos was shown a straight red card during stoppage time, leaving The Rhinos to battle the second half with ten men.
Despite the disadvantage, Sabah emerged from the break unfazed and continued to create chances, forcing Kammeraad into another sharp save early in the second period.
On the hour mark, KL City made a tactical switch, bringing on Paulo Josue for Kpah Sherman to add more creativity. Sabah responded by introducing Gabriel Peres in place of Gary Steven Robbat.
Just minutes later, the home side broke the deadlock through Declan Lambert, sending the crowd into celebration as KL City took control. The hosts pushed for a second, but Sabah’s disciplined defending kept them in the game.
With time running out, it looked like KL City would hold on for victory, but in the dying moments of stoppage time, Peres pounced to score the dramatic equaliser, securing a valuable point for the Rhinos.
The match ended 1-1, with KL City frustrated at letting victory slip and Sabah relieved to escape with a share of the spoils despite playing much of the game a man down.
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
