Crocs fall in first Liga Super test at Stadium Negeri

It would be back to the drawing board for K Rajagobal after his side failed to take full advantage of playing at home when his side went down 1-2 to Felda United.

Sarawak started the game eager to win, but found themselves poor in finishing with both wingers J. Partiban and Ashri Chuchu ineffective.

Their closest chance on goal came through a corner by Junior Aparecido, but K. Gurusamy’s header on the lovely corner kick was high over the bar.

Gilmar also almost made his name on the score sheet but his one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper Mohd Farizal was ballooned high and wide for both teams to stay pegged without a goal.

Shreen Tambi who K Rajagobal opted ahead of Ndumba Makeche also made his presence felt when he decided to go for a 50-50 ball, but his thunderous kick was stopped by Farizal before it could cause more trouble for the visiting Planters.

Felda replied through hitman Zahrahan Krangar, but the potent striker’s shot was inches wide of target.

The Crocs had another chance begging in the final minutes of the first half when Junior failed to connect a certain goal scoring opportunity presented to him by Ashri’s cross. A follow up by Gilmar also went no where with Felda United defenders clearing it for the end of a fruitless first half.

After the restart, the Crocs picked up their tempo and obtained several set-piece opportunities.

The Crocs however failed to capitalize on this new found tempo, allowing Felda instead to change the digits on the scoreboard with a goal from an unmarked Zahrahan in the 53rd minute.

Sarawak found their defenders working harder soon after the goal as Felda coach Irfan Bakti opted to include Francis Forkey Doe in the game.

The well built striker caused massive problems at the back of Sarawak with Davide Grassi, Ronny Harun and Riduwan Maon working extra hard to contain Felda’s attacks.

Rajagobal tried to improve Sarawak’s front line by bringing in Makeche for ineffective Shreen Tambi, but the Australian’s mazy runs only jolted the defences of Felda.

Sarawak finally obtained the equalizer they were looking for when Junior sloted home a penalty which was given after Gilmar was fouled in the box.

With a draw looking very much likely, Forkey Doe broke the hearts of the many Sarawak fans at Stadium Negeri by slotting in an easy winning goal in the dying minutes of the game.

As time ran out, the Crocs threw everything they had forward, but even the additional six minutes given by the referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan, failed to change the outcome.

FINAL SCORE: Sarawak FA (M71 Junior) 1-2 Felda United (M53 Zahrahan Krangar, M89 f. Forkey Doe)