Friendly: Sarawak 1-1 Sabah

Borneo Post

WET, WET, WET: Both Alireza (second, left) and Gyepes (left) making their debut at Stadium Negeri in front of Sarawak supporters last Monday. — Photo by Chimon Upon Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/12/25/new-crocs-make-appearance-in-wet-stadium-negeri/#ixzz2oljov9qO

KUCHING: Sarawak’s Iranian import Alirad Abbasfad scored on his debut at Stadium Negeri last Monday night. The friendly match between the new-look Crocs against Sabah, was marred by heavy rain. Referee Tiong Eng Tai had to call off the match in the 74th minute as conditions on the pitch got worse. Both teams were tied 1-1.

Earlier Sabah had taken the lead off a free kick after their player was fouled at the edge of Sarawak’s penalty box. Mitrovic Srecko’s well executed kick went straight at the net, leaving goalkeeper Sani Anuar Kamsani no time to dive for a save. The score at half-time remained at 1-0. Sarawak launched more attacks from the start of the second half.

 They were finally rewarded when Alirad found the net after connecting a pass from a team mate with a header. The Crocs had a good chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty by the referee for a foul in the Sabah penalty box. But new import Gabor Gyepes failed to put the ball past Sabah goalkeeper Mohd Fadzli Paat.

Other players who made their debut at Sarawak’s home ground were Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, S. Chanturu, Reshafiq Alwi and Rashid Aya. A visibly relaxed Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts said he was primary concerned about the match fitness of his players. He added that he was quite satisfied with he saw especially the performance of his team in the second half.