Sarawak’s Billy Mehmet (left) vies for the ball with a Pahang player on Saturday. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts is happy with the performance of his boys despite playing to a scoreless draw in their third Super League match against Pahang at the Stadium Negeri on Saturday.
According to a report by The Borneo Post’s sister paper Utusan Borneo, Alberts noted that there is still some improvement needed in the team, especially on the flanks.
It was also believed that Sarawak had a few chances to score during the game but was thwarted by fine defending from the visitors.
Ivan Fatic was close to scoring for Sarawak in the 13th minute but his shot went wide and he was almost on the mark again in the dying minutes of the match.
Pahang too had a few chances to snatch the lead but Sarawak’s defence stood firm to withstand their attacks.
Matias Conti was close on target for the Elephants in the 20th minute via a header, but his effort went straight into the hands of Sarawak goalkeeper Mohd Fadzley Ibrahim.
But it was the performances of the imports that helped Sarawak hold on to the draw and Pahang, being the favourites to win the match, would somewhat rue their missed chances to snatch the three points.
For their next match, Sarawak is scheduled to face Kelantan at home this Friday (Feb 27) in the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, after the match against Pahang, Alberts too lamented the pitch conditions at the Stadium Negeri was unconducive for a high level matches, especially Super League matches.
This was primarily due to the fact that the Dutchman is worried that visiting teams playing at the Stadium Negeri complaining afterwards.
Thus he hopes that the Stadium Board would take note of the current situation regarding the football field at the Stadium Negeri.