Ijezie emerges hero in UKM FC's 5-1 crushing of Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) – With five goals from Nigerian import Michael Ijezie, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) FC blasted Sarawak 5-1 in their opening group A 2018 Challenge Cup match at Selayang Municipal Council Stadium today.

The varsity side opened the score in the fourth minute when Ijezie was on target from a free kick but Sarawak equalised via Croatian import Mateo Roskam in the 13th minute.

In the second half, Ijezie once again put UKM FC ahead in the 47th minute before completing a hat trick eight minutes later in the championship for teams who failed to progress to Malaysia Cup.

The 30-year-old Nigerian was unstoppable when he slotted in the ball from a Mohamad Rafizi Mohd Hamdan cross in the 59th minute before finding net for the fifth time in the 64th minute.

Meanwhile, Sarawak’s head coach Ian Andrew Gillan, who was disappointed with the results, said the huge defeat was due to lack of focus by his players in the second half.

“This a major loss for us…Some players made bad decisions at the goal. It should not happen to professional players.

“You are paid to do your job and perform. Some of them did not perform in the second half. If you are not in the right state of mind, you are not playing football, because it is played with enthusiasm,” the Australian said.

Gillan said goalkeeper Mohamad Firdaus Muhamad, who was injured after a collision with Ijezie, when the latter scored the last goal, might miss the next match against Terengganu FC II next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Terengganu FC II (TFC II) also collected three points after edging Super League side Negeri Sembilan 1-0 in another group A match at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi tonight.

The solitary goal of the game was scored by Mohammad Haidhir Suhaini from pass by Brazilian import Bruno Suzuki in the 47th minute.

For group B matches tomorrow, UiTM FC will meet Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) II at UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam, while Penang will host the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) at the State Stadium in Batu Kawan.

-- BERNAMA