KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah will have much to reflect on after a 3-1 loss to Indonesian side PSM Makassar in their final AFC Cup Group H match at the Likas Stadium today.
The visitors' goals came through Yakob Sayuri (15th minute), Dominic Tan's own goal (36th) and Everton Mendonca's spotkick (90th+5), while the Rhinos' consolation came through Telmo Castanheira (73rd).
The hosts lacked their usual punch in front of home fans and ended up being punished by the hungrier Makassar.
Despite the defeat, Sabah advanced to the next stage - the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals - after collecting 12 points from six matches.
Coach Ong Kim Swee's men were the first side from the three ASEAN groups to advance to the next stage - the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals - with a match in hand after collecting an unassailable 12 points from five matches.
The other teams that qualified from the ASEAN zone are Cambodian club Phnom Penh Crown, Australian sides Macarthur and Central Coast Mariners.