Sarawak’s Ryan Griffiths in action against ATM on Tuesday (April 15). — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawak have broke their Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium jinx on Friday after pulling off a 1-0 win over Kelantan.
It was an impressive Super League result for Sarawak. The Crocs had not won at Kota Bharu since 2002 in any competition.
Long-time fans might recall a match that was played 12 years ago when they mauled Kelantan 4-1 thanks to a brace by Romeo Kambou and a goal each from Gilbert Cassidy Gawing and Ramles Sari.
Friday’s win was only by a solitary goal but it was equally impressive.
Over the past three seasons Kelantan have been a formidable force in the Malaysia league.
Ryan Griffith’s beautifully crafted chip over Kelantan and national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 51st minute gave Sarawak the precious three points, thanks to a mistake by the Kelantan defence.
Kelantan might feel they were robbed as they had the lion’s share of possessions during the match. But their players just could not manage to translate tries and chances into goals.
Sarawak defended aggressively and pounced on every opportunity to counter attack.
It was also a night when Sarawak had the answer to Khairul Fahmi as custodian Mohd Fadzley Rahim was in top form to deliver a clean sheet. A telling moment happened in the dying minutes when Kelantan forced a free kick after Junior Eldstal committed a foul at the edge of Sarawak’s penalty box. But the ball ended in Mohd Fadzley’s safe pair of hands.
In a post-match interview Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts commented that it is unfortunate that football is always about winning and three points, not the way the game is played. Nevertheless, he felt that Sarawak were deserving winners.
“We came here to win and we will do whatever it takes to secure it. It was never easy playing against Kelantan but I think the better team won tonight,” he said.
With the win in Kota Bharu, Sarawak are now enjoying a three-match winning streak in the Super League after beating ATM 3-2 (April 15) and Terengganu 2-1 (April 11).
The Super League will resume on May 10 with Sarawak taking on Sime Darby at the Stadium Negeri. Alberts added that the break gives the Crocs much needed time to rest and recover.