[FA Cup] Selangor 0-1 Sarawak : Giants no more

In an upset result, Sarawak proved that their win against Sime Darby FC last week was not a fluke when they stunned favourites Selangor FA at MBPJ Stadium.

Playing without key players, and with some still recovering from a flu bug, the Crocs went on the offensive from the start with Selangor taking time to adjust to the bumpy pitch at their home ground.

Within ten minutes, the balanced game seemed to have favoured the visiting team as Zamri Morshidi looked certain to blast in the first goal of the game, but his shot hit the side netting instead.

Paolo Rangel gave the home fans a reason to be excited moments later when he had a clear chance on goal, but his shot was caught with ease by the Crocs goalkeeper Sani Anuar.

Sarawak strong defender Gabor Gyepes then smashed in a bullet shot on goal but it was far off the target, hence keeping the score still level.

The Crocs pushed harder and Junior Estdal came whiskers to tuck the ball in, but he let Ramesh Lai’s nicely floated cross bounce out wasted.

In the 33rd minute, the away fans cheered their loudest as a long throw by Ronny Harun was headed in by Zamri to defeat national goalkeeper Farizal Marlias, hence putting the team in blue at the driving seat.

Sarawak pressed harder for a second goal, but despite thunderous shots by Gabor and Zamri, the score remained the same until the breather.

When the game restarted, Selangor took over possession and dominated the game.

Andik Vermansyah was included in the game by the Red Giants coach Mehmet Durakovic, but despite the coountless efforts by his strikers, the Sarawak back line controlled by Ronny Harun was not to be broken today.

In the 62nd minute, Sarawak had to play with ten men when their first choice goalkeeper Sani was red carded for a hard tackle over Fitri Shazwan.

Rookie Sarawak goalkeeper Fadley Rahim took over from Sani, earning not only his debut for his new team, but also much praise for his heroics which includes a definite goal scoring opportunity from Fitri.

With the numerical advantage, Mehmet’s men went on an attacking spree but the Red Giants failed to penetrate the solid defences of Sarawak, with the Sarawak fans going home the happier side at the end of the game.

FINAL SCORE: SELANGOR FA 0-1 SARAWAK FA
Our MoM: Junior Eldstal