Sarawak opened their Liga Super campaign with a defeat to PDRM FA at Stadium Hang Jebat in Melaka last night.
Playing in front of around a thousand fans, The Cops settled in quickly and started to create numerous chances on goal through their import strikers Andrezinho and Ali Ashfaq but the Crocs defensive line featuring new defender Davide Grassi and Hairol Mokhtar stood firm to deny any chances on goal.
This included a close range effort by Ali in the 24th minute, and a squandered chance by Andrezinho in the 32rd.
The Crocs also had their share of shots on goal but Partiban’s adventures run was blocked before he coukd make any difference.
Sarawak improved their ball possesion in the second half of the game but somewhat failed to make much impact despite the possesion and many runs by Australian Ndumba Makeche.
Instead, The Cops punished a lapse in defending by the Crocs when Ali smartly netted in the sole goal for the home side after he received a high pass.
The Crocs, not wanting to throw away the game just yet, went on the offensive from then on.
However, efforts by Gilmar Filho, Partiban and Makeche failed to defeat The Cops defenders which were led by former Lions XII Safuwan Baharuddin.
With the Crocs having a penalty shout also denied, the game ended with The Crocs heading back to Kuching empty handed.
Final Score: PDRM FA 1-0 Sarawak FA
