Sarawak proved thier critics wrong by scoring a stunning win against Kelantan FA tonight with goals coming from Ryan Griffith, Billy Mehmet and Joseph Kalang Tie.
The game saw the Crocs controlling the game from the start with Kelantan looking less interested to win the game.
Sarawak launched several attacks with Shreen Tambi and Joseph Kalang providing fast runs from both flanks, much to the dismay of Kelantan defenders whom needed to work extra hard to keep the likes of Billy Mehmet and Ryan Griffith at bay.
In the 11th minute, Stadium Negeri erupted as Ryan Griffith collected a superb pass off Billy Mehmet, and made no mistake to thunder in a fantastic goal to put the home side ahead.
The joy of the goal was however short lived when Edwin Carrillo defeated Patrick Gerhardt and Iqbal Suhaimi five minutes later.
Sarawak found themselves defending for a couple of minutes after that, with Iqbal making a double save much to the delight of the home crowd. Iqbal came to the rescue minutes later when he pushed away what seemed like a sure goal by Wan Zaharulnizam.
The Crocs picked up themselves and a wonderful exchange between Shreen Tambi and Ivan Fatic saw the later’s shot saved by Mohd Shahrizan Ismail.
Billy Mehmet then added his goal tally in the Super League when he pounced Shreen’s fantastic pass, and made sure it counted as a goal when his first shot rebounded off Mohd Shahrizan Ismail.
Sarawak came close to adding their goal tally of the night, but Ivan’s powerful cross failed to be converted by three Sarawakian players whom were in perfect position to push in the ball.
After the breather, the Crocs continued to control the game, but somewhat slowed down the pace of the game.
Billy came close to scoring 63rd minute but he failed to beat Kelantan’s defenders to keep the score still in favour of the Crocs.
In the 67th minute, local favourite Joseph Kalang put his name on the score sheet when he calmly headed in a superb pass by Ryan Griffith. The goal also earn Joseph a yellow card after his celebration with a wefie did not please the referee.
The goal spurred more attacks from the Crocs with Billy’s shot on goal being punched out by Mohd Shahrizan Ismail.
Sarawak could have secured the game in the 76th minute, but a point blank header by Ryan hit the goal post and bounced away from goal, only to be cleared by Kelantan defenders.
In the 84th minute, Wan reduced Sarawak’s lead in the game to one goal after he stunned the whole stadium with a beautiful long range lob which went into Sarawak’s goal unopposed.
The goal gave Kelantan players more reason to push harder for an equalizer, but with the Crocs defending in numbers, the four minutes added time by fourth official was easily timed off with the Crocs deservingly winning the full three points.
FT Sarawak 3-2 Kelantan (Ryan M11, Billy M36, JKT M67 | Carrillo M16, Wan M84)
