KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah gave coach Ong Kim Swee a fitting send-off, dismantling PT Athletic 4-0 in the Malaysia Cup last 16, first-leg clash at the KLFA Stadium here today.
The Rhinos opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Saddil Ramdani before Daniel Haqim Draman doubled the lead six minutes later.
Daniel Ting made it 3-0 in the 79th minute, and an own goal by Yusri Yuhasmadi deep into stoppage time sealed the comprehensive victory.
PT, an A1 Semi-Pro side, thought they had pulled one back in the 58th minute when veteran Indra Putra Mahayuddin found the net, but VAR ruled the goal out.
The decision infuriated PT's Amri Yahyah, who briefly urged his teammates to walk off the pitch before play resumed.
After the match, Kim Swee, in his final game with Sabah, was honoured with a token from the club, and players gave him a celebratory soaking.
"I believe these players are professionals and know their responsibilities.
"I've urged them to stay focused on their tasks. I am leaving the team in a good position and wish them all the best," said Kim Swee.
PT coach Nazrulerwan Makmor praised his side's effort despite the defeat.
"I have to commend our senior players like Indra and Amri for their performance. We scored, but VAR denied us the goal," he said.
The return leg is on Nov 27 at the same venue.