KUCHING: Sime Darby FC have emerged as the team that can deny Sarawak the Premier League title this year. The two sides are differentiated only by goal difference in the league table.
TIGHT MATCH: Sarawak’s Bobby Gonzales is challenged by Johor’s Hasni Zaidi Jamian during their Premier League match at the State Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching. Sarawak won 3-2. — Bernama photo
With another 14 matches to go for the season, good performances so far by both teams suggest the likelihood of a fierce battle eventually for the championship title. Commenting on Sarawak’s 3-2 home victory over Johor last Friday, chief coach Robert Alberts felt that his players slowed down after scoring the second goal and this allowed the visitors to go on an attacking rampage.
“The defence made two mistakes which had resulted in the goal and we cannot afford such mistakes again,” he said.
The match saw a fine performance by homegrown Joseph Kallang Tie who assisted in two goals scored by Hairol Mokhtar and Azizan Baba. Joseph’s presence enhanced the team’s attack with his speed and ball control.
The win against Johor allowed Sarawak to keep a safe distance in the league standings from Johor and Kedah who trailed by four and five points respectively.
Meanwhile, the Crocs will face Penang PBAPP FC in the second round knockout stage of the FA Cup tournament, to be held at Stadium Negeri on next Tuesday.
A win will automatically qualify the Crocs for the quarter finals where a clash with either Kelantan or PKNS FC awaits.