[MSL] Lions XII 0-0 Sarawak: Crocs hold Singaporean side at Jalan Besar

The Crocs secured one vital point last night after they held Lions XII 0-0 at Stadium Jalan Besar, Singapore.

Both teams have met this season, with Sarawak having the upper hand in the first round of the Malaysia Super League.

Nonetheless, the artificial pitch at Jalan Besar has always proven to be difficult for the Crocs, and many were expecting Lions XII to produce a result over the newly promoted Sarawak side.

But the Crocs proved otherwise by holding Lions XII with the game moving from one end to another.

Sarawak came close to lead the game, but a ferocious barge by Ryan Griffith failed to beat Lions XII Izwan Mahbud, while S Chanturu’s follow up was straight into Izwan’s arms.

Lions XII returned the effort Sarawak made through Safuwan Baharudin but his 30 yard effort was off target.

Joseph replied with his signature ‘drive’ but the effort also ended far from target with a thunderous drive from S. Chanturu also inches too far from hitting the intended mark.

With the breather coming close, Sarawak defenders allowed Lions XII Safuwan to a free header which rattled the post of Sarawak’s goal, with the rebound stopped due to an offside.

The second half of the game restarted with the Lions hungry for an early goal.

Khairul Amri had the earliest chance to put his side ahead of the Crocs, but his effort was high above the post.

Another attempt on goal by Shahfiq Ghani’s 25-yard curling free-kick a few minutes on was also saved by Sarawak’s goalkeeper Fadzley Rahim.

Nazrul Nazari also had an attempt on goal foiled in the 75th minute when Hairol Mokhtar headed out what looked certain to be a goal for the home side.

Lions continued to push for the goal as the game progressed, but the partnership of Hairol and Ronny Harun proved way to difficult to beat as time ticked away for both sides.

With the referee adding four minutes to the game, both sides continued with the deadlock, hence forcing the referee to blow the final whistle signalling the Crocs had secured a valuable point from Jalan Besar for the night.

Final score: Lions XII 0-0 Sarawak FA

Photo by Penyokong Bolasepak Sarawak di Semenanjung.