Negri Sembilan draw 1-1 with Sabah as late chances go begging
Sabah coach Juan Torres Garrido was sent off late on, while his assistant raised concerns about visibility and pitch conditions in Paroi.
Negri Sembilan missed opportunities to secure a Super League victory over Sabah, finishing 1-1 at Paroi's Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium despite recording 14 attempts and 60 per cent possession.
Gonzalo Di Renzo put Sabah ahead during stoppage time before the interval. Jovan Motika equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, but the hosts failed to convert several clear openings near the end.
Negri head coach Daniel Gimenez expressed disappointment at the missed chances, although he said taking a point was preferable to leaving with nothing. He defended young player Alif Mutalib, saying other players might not have made the sprint needed to reach the scoring position, and praised his team's courage and personality.
Sabah head coach Juan Torres Garrido received a red card late in the game. Assistant coach Alto Linus said Garrido's reaction reflected frustration with Sabah's play and their inability to control the closing stages, rather than dissent towards the referee. He suggested the referee may have interpreted the coach's body language differently.
Alto also criticised the pitch conditions and visibility following heavy rain before the match and haze. He said conditions became particularly dark and hazy around the 75th minute. According to Alto, Sabah had raised concerns with the match commissioner before kick-off, but the decision was to proceed. He said the visitors' main concern was the risk of injury to their players.
