Sarawak was defeated 0-2 to JDT at Stadium Negeri tonight after Amri Yahyah and Luciano Figueroa scored the winning goal for the visiting team.
The Crocs played in a half empty stadium with JDT fans accorded special treatment by the Sarawak FA management as they were given top class seats to view their team play with local fans asked give up their favourite seats to accommodate the visiting ultras.
Despite playing a star studded team, the Crocs showed they were equals in the first 30-minutes of the game as fast counter attacks saw JDT defending in numbers in the first half.
Joseph Kalang was a menace for JDT but Farizal Marlias was quick to sweep the ball of his feet before he could tap it in.
The Crocs continued with their effective counter attacks and was soon awarded with a free kick just outside the box. Ivan Fatic came forward to take the kick, but his nicely angled shot was denied entry to the back of JDT’s net by a diving save from Farizal.
This was then followed by silky runs by Joseph who skinned three JDT defender, but his pass to Billy was intercepted.
Patrick came forward and blazed a powerful effort towards the goal, but Farizal yet again showed his brilliance with an acrobatic save.
Sarawak continued to push for the goal, but a header from Ivan Fatic was also saved, with Joseph ballooned a great chance in the 36th minute.
From then on, JDT took over possession and started coming forward with more confidence as the Crocs strike force started retracting into their own half.
Despite JDT’s efforts however, Luciano failed to find the back of the net with Sarawak deploying effective offside traps.
After the breather, the Crocs found themselves camping in front of their half as JDT increased pressure forward.
Despite boasting of a numerical number of players in front of their goal mouth, the Crocs failed to stop JDT from scoring with unmarked Amri Yahyah powering a long range effort which caught Sarawak goalkeeper Iqbal Suhaimi off guard.
The Crocs tried to return the favour and seek an equalizer but their passing was way below par, and this made JDT’s task easier.
In the dying minutes of the game, Luciano killed off any fighting spirit the Crocs had by defeating his marker, and powering a thundering shot past Iqbal.
Final score, Sarawak 0-2 JDT
