[FA Cup] Sarawak FA 2-1 Penang FA : Crocs struggle to victory

Despite the high optimism riding in the Sarawak camp, Sarawak struggled to contain Premier League side Penang FA in the first round of the FA Cup last night, and only obtained their ticket to the next round after 120 minutes of game play.

The newly promoted premier league side gave the Crocs a good run for their money as they danced their way into the Crocs defenses with their neat passing, and impressive counter attacks.

Akmal Rizal and Milorad Janjus made their home debuts with the former impressing the home crowd with his good ball control and passes. Akmal’s lack of speed however was evident as he failed to defeat his marker numerous times when speed was needed.

Milorad on the other hand was unable to beat his markers as K Devan opted to have three defenders closely marking the Serbian.

Nonetheless, Milorad almost put his side in front when Joseph Kalang floated a nicely timed cross toward him, but the tall Serbian found himself too far for a decent header.

Moments later, Milorad got another chance to score his first goal of the season when he was one on one with Penang goalkeeper G Jeevanathan. However, Milorad powered a soft shot, which rolled out of the field for the score to remain still level.

Penang retaliated with a fruitless counter attacking move, but Gabor Gyepes and Ronny Harun was ever ready to clear the build up created by Penang’s attacking force.

The disappointing scene from Sarawak’s attacking force was yet again repeated numerous times with Milorad and Akmal Rizal failing to find the back of the net despite countless chances coming.

At the restart, the Crocs substituted Akmal for Iranian Alireza Abbasfard. The Iranian’s tall figure created a physical presence for the Crocs, but way too many set pieces were wasted by the Crocs.

In fact, Penang started to penetrate the Crocs defences with both Gabor and Ronny having mis-communications between each other. The rocky defending cause the likes of Ashri Chuchu and Joseph to pull back to help their defences.

In the 76th minute however, Sarawak found the lead when a scuffle in the penalty box allowed Alireza enough room to strike in an easy goal to put Sarawak at the lead.

The goal gave motivation for the Crocs to move forward, but Penang stood strong despite them now playing with ten men.

Just as the Crocs were confident they had wrapped up the game, a direct free kick by Penang was headed in by Mohd Baser Napae to put the score level in the 90th minute.

At extra time, the Crocs raided Penang’s goal with everything they had, and finally obtained the winning goal from Gabor whom shelved in a wonderful grounder to ensure Sarawak advanced to the next round of the FA Cup.

FINAL SCORE: SARAWAK FA 2-1 PENANG FA
OUR MoM: JOSEPH KALANG TIE