PM2015: Sarawak 0 – 3 Johor Darul Ta’zim

The confidence drummed up by the Crocs, and the almost capacity crowd at Stadium Neger failed to change the expected result as JDT steamrolled over the Crocs without much of a challenge.

The AFC Finalist instead gave the Crocs a football lesson when they showed brilliant passing and composure against their less illustrative opponents.

National player Safee Sali was a menace for the Sarawak back-line led by Ronny Harun as the former Sarawakian striker made two attempts on goal which were just inches off the target.

Sarawak replied via a free kick off Ivan Fatic but Patrick Gerhardt blast a good chance on goal high and wide.
In the 14th minute, JDT broke the deadlock of the game through Safee who made no mistake to calmly slot in a penalty kick awarded for a foul over Amri Yahya.

Sarawak replied through a throw in by Ronny, but Ivan who had the best chance for a shot on goal, produced a weak off target effort instead.

The Crocs tried yet again to penetrate the goal of JDT but an effort by Billy Mehmet failed to meet Shreen Tambi, while Billy’s half voley was just inches above the target.

Minutes later, an on target free kick by Ivan yet again failed to meet the back of the net after JDT defenders scrambled it out of the danger-zone, while Patrick’s best chance of the night saw him fail to defeat an open goal when he headed the golden opportunity wide.

Both teams upped their game in the second half with Sarawak having two clear chances in the first ten minutes of the game.

Shreen Tambi failed to make a simple connection despite a brilliant cross from Ashri Chuchu, and Billy ballooned away a chance on goal.

JDT which seemed to be playing with less urgency relied of effective counter attacks and came close to doubling their lead through Safee. Nonetheless the former Sarawakian player shot his effort high to the relief of the home fans.

Another set piece by JDT almost went in the goal but Mahali’s shot also went high above the mark.

In the 78th minute, the visitors finally made it two when Haris Harrun blasted an easy goal defeating Mohd Iqbal.

Substitute Tommy Mawat tried to make a difference for the Crocs and his individual effort almost gave the Crocs the revival goal they needed. However, Ryan Griffith’s shot on goal was blocked by defenders despite Farizal already defeated, and the goal wide open.

JDT continued their counter attacking style against Sarawak and it finally caught the Sarawakian defenders off guard in the dying minutes of the game when substitute Safiq Rahim made no mistake to power a beautiful goal for his side.

Safiq’s goal spelled the end of Sarawak’s fighting spirit as they Crocs started to keep possession without much effort to go forward until the final whistle.

FT Sarawak 0-3 JDT [Safee Sali M14(p), Haris Harun M78, Syafiq Rahim M87].