CONVINCING WIN: Sarawak’s Rames Lai Ban Huat (right) is challenged by a Selangor player during their Malaysia Cup Group D match at Stadium Negeri on Wednesday. — Bernama photo
KUCHING: Crocs chief coach, Robert Alberts had nothing but full of praises for his charges who convincingly defeated the over rated Selangor 2-1 in the exciting opening Malaysia Cup curtain raiser to the delight of the home crowd.
Definitely a clear warning that Sarawak side is no push over, the Crocs were ready to claim their stake in the prestigious tourney and Selangor was considered lucky to walk home with just a one-goal deficit.
“We deserved to win today…I think this is a fantastic result for us and it will certainly lift the team’s morale in our quest for the Malaysia Cup,” said a beaming Alberts on the fine showing to the applause of the local fans who are still in the Hari Raya mood.
They came in the droves and some even dropped by at the stadium while doing their hari raya rounds with friends and loved ones.
He pointed out even without the presence of team captain, Mohd Amri Yahyah and Mohd Bunyamin Omar, Selangor was very much still a strong team with adequate back-ups and depth.
Both their playmakers are currently serving a three-match ban for a fracas against Kelantan during the recent Malaysia Super League (MSL) campaign against Kelantan.
Selangor made a fine start when they drew first blood through Mohd Fitri Shazwan. It seems that all was according to their plan but their joy was short-lived after Sarawak scored the equaliser through Ashri Chuchu 11 minutes later.
It was all downhill for the Red Giants after Sarawak went on the offensive and launched marauding attacks to the visitors’ goalmouth but a couple of missed chances and opportunities by Joel Epalle had sent the fans jumping off their seats.
“I am disappointed with Epalle because he should have not missed those goal scoring chances…a player of his stature could have done better than what he did tonight (last Wednesday night),” said Alberts commenting on the performance of the Cameroon hitman.
The Crocs’ moment of glory came after Bobby Gonzalez fired in from the right side of the net and his goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and rewarding them with the much awaited victory expected from the curtain raiser.
“I am satisfied with the performances of our three new signings (Bobby, Sharudin Yakup and Ronny Harun)…they did a good job and I also hope Bobby will get even better as we progress on. He needs to be more match fit,” said Alberts.
For the record, Bobby, Sharudin and Ronny were signed from Sabah on loan as Sabah failed to qualify for the Malaysia Cup. They are on a three months contract for the Crocs.
Sarawak will face PBDKT T-Team FC away tomorrow.
The match is scheduled to kick off 8.45pm at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.