The goals may have been scored by non-Sarawakians, but the core of the team of local Sarawakians, which saw Mazwandi Zakeria making his debut starting gave the Crocs enough depth to win the game.
Sarawak went on the offensive from the start and with a fruitless corner to show off in the early minutes. Long ball passes to Joseph Kalang and Ryan Griffith also failed to find the net as the S Chanturu and Rashid Aya supplied countless crosses into the box for the Crocs.
Rashid Aya then had a golden chance on goal when he found himself with an opportunity to make a direct shot on goal. The Johor born player however choose to pass it to Ryan who lost the ball for a fruitless attack.
In the 31st minute, the eager attacking Sarawak was stunned when a direct free kick by ATM’s Juan Arostegui sailed right into the back of the net, beating helpless goalkeeper Fadzley Rahim.
Unfortunately for ATM, the lead was shot lived when a grounder pass met Ryan who passed it to Junior Eldstal, whom made no mistake to tap in the equalizing goal for Sarawak.
The second half was more intense as the Crocs and ATM exchanged counter attacks. The Crocs came so close to put in their second goal courtesy of a corner, but shots from not less than four players either hit the defenders, or was punched out by Syed Adney.
In the 63rd minute Chanturu brought down the stadium when he made no mistake by scoring in a scremer. The move started off from the middle of the park, in which Chanturu picked up with a loose ball becore dribbing past two defenders and rounding goalkeeper Syed Adney and finally unleashing a powerful effort which hit the inside top netting, signalling Sarawak’s lead in the game.
The Crocs pushed even harder and was able to further increase their lead when a free kick by Sharol Saperi was headed in by Fazly Alias in the 71st minute, beating out of position Syed.
Christie Jayaseelan decreased Sarawak’s lead three minutes later when a poor clearance by the Crocs defences allowed him to power a wonderful effort into goal.
The goal sparked ATM’s spirit to look for the equalizer but Sarawak defended in numbers to retain their lead.
ATM however almost succeeded finding their equalizer twice, but Fadzley was more than ready to deny any more leaks into his goal.
With time fast running out, the Crocs camped in front of goal, and substituted Chanturu and Joseph Kalang for Hassan Mohammed and Muamer Salibasic.
The move didn’t improve Sarawak’s scoring chances, but was enough to keep the score until the final whistle.
FINAL SCORE: SARAWAK FA 3-2 ATM FA
