Joseph (right) celebrating with Mehmet after scoring in the 40th minute at Stadium Negeri on Saturday. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Local fans had much to celebrate on Saturday night as the Crocs scored a morale-boosting victory over the much heralded Terengganu at Stadium Negeri.
It was the first home game for Sarawak and only their second match of the season.
Last week, they had started their 2015 campaign with a commendable 3-3 draw against Felda United away.
Terengganu, who finished 4th in last season’s Super League to Sarawak’s 7th, had beaten top guns Selangor 2-0 last week.
Their slew of impressive new signings for 2015 include last year’s top scorer in the Super League, Paulo Rangel.
It was a match decided by early goals and it was all but over by the end of the first half. Sarawak import Billy Mehmet drew first blood as early as the 3rd minute.
Barely two minutes later, home-grown Croc Ashri Chuchu made it 2-0.
Rangel hit one back for the visitors in the 14th minute. But five minutes before the interval, Joseph Kallang sealed the game with a third for the jubilant home fans.
Terengganu dominated the second half but to no avail. The night belonged to Sarawak who celebrated their first win of the new season.
In his post-match remarks, Sarawak coach Robert Alberts praised his players and their teamwork for the good overall performance.
“I guess things are going according to planned. Let’s hope that we do better this season,” he told reporters.
The win against Terenggau pushed Sarawak to third place in the Super League standings.
Sarawak will next face Pahang on Feb 21 at Stadium Negeri.