MISSED: File photo of Awang Aziezan who was one of the key players unable to play for Sarawak yesterday.— Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Kuala Lumpur failed to capitalise against 10-man Sarawak in the President’s Cup yesterday as the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Playing away, Sarawak’s Muhammad Haizam Morshidi was ejected for receiving his second yellow card in the 60th minute.
Sarawak team manager Haidel Heli felt the draw was satisfactory as the match could have gone in Kuala Lumpur’s favour.
“As team manager, I see this as a positive result. It’s not easy to play with ten against eleven men in a competitive match,” he said.
He added that it was disheartening to see his team having to resort to a defensive mode with ten men on the field. But he noted that one point is better than no points at all.
With the latest result, the junior crocs have endured back-to-back scoreless draws for the last two matches.
“We are still unbeaten in four matches. What is important is that the team improves and I congratulate the boys for their latest effort,” Haidel added.
The match at Padang Kilat, Bangsar started late around 5.30pm due to heavy rain.
Congratulating his team, Sarawak Chief Coach Anai Igang @ Mohd Farhan Abdullah said he was indeed very proud of his players for the display of fighting spirit.
He also admitted that the absence of a few key players like Awang Aziezan Awang Sophian and Richard Sawing Bilong due to injury made it difficult for the team.
“We had a few chances but we were unable to convert them to goals. The pitch condition was also soggy and it was hard to play on it,” he lamented.
Sarawak will next face ATM at home next Monday.