Indonesia’s very own Saddil Ramdani turned out a very Man of the Match-worthy performance as his Sabah FC side romped to a 4-0 victory over fellow Liga Super Malaysia strugglers UiTM FC on Saturday at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu. The former Persela Lamongan, Sri Pahang FC, and Bhayangkara Solo FC man managed to bag himself a goal and two assists in Saturday’s Matchweek 9 action as Sabah pulled themselves even further from the relegation zone with three vital points.
Liberia international Sam Johnson opened the party for Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto’s Tembedau in the 27th minute, seizing upon Amri Yahyah’s header that was unable to be cleared properly by UiTM’s Croat goalkeeper Dominik Picak with a powerful finish from point-blank range.
Former Real Salt Lake striker Sam then turned from scorer to creator in the 41st minute, receiving an excellent ball from Levy Madinda before unleashing Saddil with a short pass. Without hesitation Saddil unleashed a cannonball from the edge of the UiTM penalty box that left Picak well-beaten for the second time in the match.
Sabah then made it 3-0 on the night in the 50th minute. Saddil fed Park Tae-soo with a pass that went over the heads of a couple of UiTM defenders, allowing the South Korean to move into space and unleashed a venomous close-ranged drive that Picak was powerless to save.
Saddil then worked his magic yet again in the 87th minute, performing a sublime back-heel pass that was lapped up by veteran striker Bobby Gonzales. 37-year old Bobby then blasts a lethal shot that once again breached Picak’s defenses, confirming all three points for the Tembedau while at the same time cementing UiTM’s position in the Liga Super basement for yet another matchweek.
Saturday’s other Matchweek 9 game saw Kpah Sherman’s 79th minute goal saving Kedah Darul Aman from defeat as they drew 1-1 with Perak FC at the Perak Stadium.
Matchweek 9 will come into a conclusion on Sunday with Petaling Jaya City hosting Penang FC at the Petaling Jaya Stadium while Selangor FC pay Melaka United a visit.