Perak 2-1 Sarawak: ‘Airbombs’ blow Crocs away

‘Airbombs’ from Perak fans helped the Seladangs secure their first win in the Malaysia Cup campaign as Paolo Rangel scored the winning goal after the game at Perak Stadium was halted for 15 minutes due to constant fireworks interference.

The game started slow with both teams playing carefully, each wanting to dominate each others play.

Muamer Salibasic came close to put Sarawak ahead in the 7th minute, but his shot was straight to the goalkeeper.

As the game progressed, neither team managed to create any dangerous chances with Perak looking as the more dominant side.

Nonetheless, a brilliant pass from Bwele towards awaiting Joseph changed the scoreboard in the 30th minute as the Lawas born player calmly thundered in a powerful shot to put Sarawak ahead.

Perak tried to equalize after that, but Sarawak’s defense which was marshaled by Hairol Mokhtar and Ramesh Lai kept Perak’s top striker Paolo Rangel at bay.

When the second half restarted, the home side wasted little time to begin their assault towards Sarawak’s defense.

A lapse in concentration then caused Sarawak dearly with Paolo being allowed to strike in the equalizer for his side after a scuffle started in the middle of the pitch.

Thing got worst from then on with the Perak fans becoming rowdy. Firecrackers and ‘airbombs’ were blown up in the stadium area and the Sarawak players were asked to move away from the pitch for their safety. Firecrackers were thrown towards the Sarawak reserves hence causing the referee to halt the game for 15 minutes.

The riot police was summoned in, and game soon resumed with Sarawak trying hard to keep their concentration towards the game.

Unfortunately, Paulo yet again took advantage of Sarawak’s lack of concentration by heading in the winning goal to drive the Seladangs to the top of Group D with a 2-1 win.

Elsewhere, Kedah drew 2-2 against Lions XII, putting Sarawak at the bottom of Group D.

-Image above shows smoke from ‘airbombs’ at Perak Stadium. // Image by AkuFitri