Sarawak has every reason to walk with their heads held high despite the fact they were knocked out of the Malaysia Cup competition yesterday night.
The Crocs were in full attacking mode from the start of the whistle as they controlled possession through the first half, with not less than 22,000 supporters cheering them on.
Pahang coach Dollah Salleh was observed to be a worried man at the sidelines as his side tried their very best to absorb the massive raids made by the striking force of Muamer Salibasic, Bobby Gonzales and Joseph Kallang Tie.
Signs that Sarawak would soon get the lead in the game came when Ramesh Lai powered a long range shot towards Pahang’s goal, but the Pahang keeper Khairul Azhan was ready to tip it out.
Joseph soon found himself with enough space to chest and thunder a direct shot volley, but that effort too was saved by Khairul.
Sarawak kept the pressure going with Muamer blasting an on target long range shot, which was yet again saved by the goalkeeper.
Eager to find the back of the net, Joseph came forward to test Khairul again through his blazing shot which was denied by the bar.
However, in the 32nd minute all of Sarawak’s effort was worthwhile when Joseph crossed in a well time ball towards Bobby Gonzales whom made no mistake to head in for the home side to erupt with joy.
The goal sparked more attacking moves for the home side, but none made the cut to change the scoreline for Sarawak to lead in the game by one goal.
The second half was indeed a different ball game as Pahang started to slow down the game, denying the Crocs any chance of arranging quick counter attacks.
Despite that, Bobby yet again failed to convert a golden opportunity to put his side two goals up, with Khairul brilliantly blocking it out of harms way.
Hairol Mokhtar soon found himself at the receiving end of a wonderful cross from Joseph, but his header went inches wide off the target.
The crushing moment soon came after super-sub Fauzi Roslan somehow pulled one back for Pahang through a pin point header, which sailed past Sani Anuar.
The goal demoralized the home side as Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts went ‘gung-ho’ to find three goals in the span of fifteen minute.
Unfortunately for the Crocs however, the score stood as it is, hence giving Pahang the final spot to Shah Alam with an aggregate win of 4-2.
