Red Giants overpower Sarawak

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Sarawak player Ryan Griffiths (top right) heading the ball towards the Selangor goal in the second half of the Super League match at Stadium Negeri. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Sarawak fans had good reasons to turn up in full force at Stadium Negeri last night. They got their first wish – catching Sarawak’s latest new imports Ryan Griffiths and Hassan Al Hassan in action.

But their second wish was not granted as Sarawak fell 0-2 to a surging Selangor side. Griffiths and Hassan were in the thick of action in key moments of the game. Barely a minute into the game, Sarawak earned a free kick after Griffiths was brought down.

The Aussie striker’s shot hit the Selangor defensive wall. In the 9th minute Hassan had only the goalkeeper to beat. But his shot saw the ball rolled toward the post and went out. Selangor players were in an aggressive mode and moved in a furious pace.

They were rewarded in the 24th minute when Andik Vermansyah’s long shot caught Sarawak goal ie Sani Anuar Kamsani who had strayed out of position and slipped. Selangor led 1-0 at half-time.

Sarawak had their chances after the interval through Griffiths and Mohd Rashid Aya. But the Red Giants continued to dominate possession with their robust play. In the 52th minute Ronny Harun’s missed kick while at tempting a clearance was punished. Thamil Arasu collected the rebound to fire home Selangor’s second goal.

Coach Robert Alberts then attempted to reverse Sarawak’s fortune with substitutions. Mohd Rashid Aya came in for Joseph Kallang, then Akmal Rizal Ahmad for Mohd Lot Abu Hassan and finally Ashri Chuchu for Hassan. But the Crocs were unable to control the tempo of the game. Instead it was the local fans who grew agitated with Selangor’s physical play.

The Red Giants were to dominate possession right to the end of the match.