Sabah FC suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Kelantan in the Malaysia Super League and then secured a 2-2 away draw against Melaka in the Malaysia Cup round‑of‑16, with Scottish striker Fergus Tierney scoring a stoppage‑time equaliser. The week highlighted the team’s fighting spirit, exposed defensive lapses, and set up a decisive second‑leg showdown.
Super League Setback: 3-2 Defeat to Kelantan
On 13 January, the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Kinabalu hosted a tense clash between Sabah FC and Kelantan The Real Warriors. Kelantan opened the scoring early, forcing Sabah to chase the game. The Borneo side responded with two goals, leveling the match at 2‑2 in the 68th minute. However, a composed Kelantan attack struck in the 84th minute, sealing a 3‑2 victory that left home fans stunned.
Key Moments
- Early Goal: Kelantan’s striker found the net within the first ten minutes, setting the tempo.
- Sabah’s Rally: Goals in the 45th and 68th minutes restored parity and raised hopes of a comeback.
- Decisive Late Winner: A set‑piece finish in the 84th minute gave Kelantan the final lead.
Malaysia Cup Drama: 2-2 Draw with Melaka
Two days later Sabah traveled to Hang Jebat Stadium for the first leg of the Malaysia Cup round‑of‑16 against Melaka FC. Melaka took an early lead, and despite Sabah’s pressure, the hosts maintained a 1‑0 advantage into the second half. Sabah equalised in the 55th minute, only for Melaka to retake the lead shortly after. In the 93rd minute, Fergus Tierney headed a corner clearance into the net, forcing a 2‑2 draw and securing an away‑goal advantage for Melaka.
Crucial Late Equaliser
Tierney’s stoppage‑time goal demonstrated his composure under pressure and highlighted the impact of recent signings on Sabah’s attacking options. The result leaves the aggregate score level, but Melaka holds the away‑goal edge, meaning Sabah must win or achieve a higher‑scoring draw in the return leg.
Sabah FC Current Season Overview
Sabah FC represents the state of Sabah in Borneo and competes in the Malaysia Super League, the country’s top tier. The 2025‑26 campaign has been marked by a series of draws and a winless streak that intensified after the Kelantan loss. While league form has faltered, cup performances have shown the squad’s ability to contend in knockout scenarios, especially on the road.
Recent Form and Standing
The club sits near the lower half of the Super League table, with points accumulated primarily through draws. The loss to Kelantan extended a winless run, adding pressure on the coaching staff to deliver a turnaround before the season’s decisive phase.
Tactical Analysis and Key Issues
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Late concessions in both matches exposed lapses in concentration and set‑piece defending, indicating a need for tighter marking and improved aerial awareness.
- Midfield Transition: Sabah struggled to dominate possession, often ceding control to opponents who launched quick counters. Enhancing ball retention and tempo‑setting will be crucial.
- Impact of New Signings: Tierney’s late heroics underline the value of strategic acquisitions. Integrating him further with local forwards could create a more dynamic attack.
Looking Ahead: Next Matches and Redemption Path
The upcoming second leg against Melaka FC at Likas Stadium will be a litmus test for Sabah’s resolve. A win would advance the club to the quarter‑finals and boost confidence for the remaining Super League fixtures, where every point is vital to avoid a relegation battle. A victory against a mid‑table league opponent could also halt the winless streak and provide momentum heading into the cup return leg.
Sabah’s captain summed up the team’s mindset: “We have the talent, we have the heart. It’s about putting the pieces together, learning from the setbacks, and delivering when it matters most.” If the squad tightens its defence, leverages the creativity of newcomers like Tierney, and maintains the fighting spirit shown this week, they can turn a tumultuous period into a catalyst for a resurgence.
