An all local strike-force demolished visiting Lions XII tonight despite Fandi Ahmad’s confidence that his side would bring home the full 3-points from Stadium Negeri.
The Crocs, playing in front of a capacity crowd didn’t disappoint their vocal fans as they blasted balls through S Chanturu and Ashri Chuchu on the flanks with Rashid Aya playing the lone striker in front.
Sarawak came close to leading the score line when hardworking Joseph Kalang Tie had a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, but his attempted chip which defeated Izwan, failed to defeat the goal bar.
Sarawak pressed on and got rewarded in the 17th minute courtesy of a set piece.
A long throw in by Ronny Harun was brilliantly flicked by Junior Eldstal to awaiting S Chanturu who made no mistake to head in the Crocs first goal, bringing the 24,000 strong fans into a frenzy.
The joy lasted for 15 minutes or so, as the visiting Lions XII pegged the Crocs minutes later through Mohd Nazrul who did looping header over a stranded Sani Anuar in the 35th minute.
The Crocs fought back and Chanturu yet again put the home side ahead when he calmly finished off a beautiful through pass from Mohd Lot in the 41st minute.
At half time the Crocs look good for the win, and the home fans were roaring with confidence.
The restart of the game however saw the Crocs losing possession as their pace slowed down. Lions midfielder were allowed much room to move and dictate play, and this gave the Crocs problems as they found themselves defending a hungry Singaporean side.
Sani Anuar was kept busy as he produced countless vital saves from the visiting team which was now pushing hard to find that all important equalizer.
Nonetheless, the Crocs regained their attacking momentum with the inclusion of Zamri Morshidi with the Kuching born player providing vital passes for his lone striker.
Zamri finally answered the prayers of fans wanting a comfortable lead in the 77th minuteas he produced a magical pass to awaiting Rashid Aya, who made no mistake to slot in Sarawak’s third goal of the night.
Fandi tried to spurs up his sides attacking flair, but even the inclusion of top hitman Khairul Nizam failed to change the score which pushed the Crocs straight up to third in the Super League when the final whistle was blown.
FINAL SCORE: Sarawak 3-1 Lions XII
Our MoM: Mohd Lot
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