A solid 2-0 win over KL marked an optimistic return for Sarawak to the Malaysia Super League. Second half goals from new boy K Ravindran, who played for Harimau Muda A, and captain Hairol Mokhtar where enough to see off the challenge from KL. Standing cheers of ‘ole’ filled the Petra Jaya Stadium, a sight not seen for a long time. Clearly, playing and winning in the big leagues means that much to local fans.
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The game got off to a drab start with the TYT of Sarawak in attendance and the rain still pouring. KL had early possession and restricted Sarawak’s offence to the usual long punts from defense. Sarawak lined-up with the usual 4-4-2. The only noticeable omission was Kalle Sonne, the Cameroonian forward, injured during last Friday’s practice match against the Sarawak President’s Cup team. KL had the lion’s share of the ball but could breach a strong standing Sarawak defense. Saiful Amar Sudar, given the no.1 jersey, was a mere spectator in the first half and had minimal involvement in the game.
Sarawak sprung out of the traps in the second half, dominating KL in possession. They displayed the ability to play the ball through the middle with good movement from Guy Bwele. Everything good that happened, happened through Guy. He’s showing his importance to the team in only his first competitive match for Sarawak. Good on the ball, his off the ball running provided avenues to keep the play alive. He looks a definite astute signing. So too new boy, K Ravindran.
Having come on in the 65th minute, he was lively and eager to introduce himself to the home crowd. His excitement got the better of him a couple minutes later. Zamri Morshidi was played through into the penalty box with a precision lob from Guy. He fired a low cross and with only a touch needed to get it across the line, K Ravindran slid over the ball, stopping the ball in front of goal and giving KL’s Rozaimie Rohim enough time to dive on top of him. Ravindran didn’t have much time to rue his missed chance as Dzulazlan Ibrahim romped down the right wing and sent a cross to the front post. Ravindran was alert and nipped past a lone KL defender to score his first of the season.
Dzulazlan, playing at right fullback, was a constant thorn to KL with his forward running and excellent crossing.
Sarawak kept up the pressure. A corner in the 76th minute brought the second of the night for Sarawak. KL could deal with a floated ball and after Ravindran saw his effort blocked, the ball fell to captain Hairol. He may be one of the taller players in the squad but it was a delicate chip to the far post which found the side netting that doubled the lead and caused delirium in the stands.
KL had a few looks on goal. Saiful Amar had a few shots and crosses to deal with, the most dangerous being a 30 yard curler he finger-tipped onto the post. All in all, a good start. With the Borneo derby (15th Jan) in Sabah, a tough home game against Terengganu (17th Jan) and an even tougher away date against Selangor (22nd), a win against a lesser KL side will have done wonders for morale.
Man of the Match: Guy Bwele. There were many star performers on the night but it was all built on the stage Guy built. His running and covering opened up more room for his teammates to operate.
Moan of the Match: A tie between the rain and supporters singing ‘I Will Follow You’.
Merry-Go-Round, Sarawak style: Sarawak decided to stay in slightly longer in the dressing room during halftime. As the fourth official disappeared into the tunnel in an attempt to look for the missing team, Sarawak ran onto the pitch from the side entrance.
