PETALING JAYA, May 7 – A muffed penalty and an own goal added spice to Sarawak United’s come-from-behind 3-2 win over Kelantan United in Friday’s Premier League thriller at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.
With the win, the Golden Hornbills regained their place at the top of the league standings with 23 points from10 matches, after Negeri Sembilan was held to a scoreless draw by JDT II at the Larkin Stadium.
Negeri Sembilan has played one match more and is in second place with 22 points.
Terengganu II whipped FAM-MSN Project 6-1 to move up to third place on 19 points followed by JDT II and Kelantan in fourth and fifth place respectively, separated by goal difference.
International Norshahrul Idlan Talaha muffed a 14th-minute penalty after Nur Shamie Iszuan was brought down inside the box. Mat Yo crashed his spot-kick against the upright to save the day for Kelantan United.
However, the East Malaysian outfit was not to be denied the lead when former international Christie Jayaseelan found the net from a pass by South Korean midfielder Lee Chang-hoon in injury time before the break.
Kelantan United drew level after 58 minutes with a big dose of luck coming their way when goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee misjudged a header from skipper Taylor Regan.
Ten minutes later Kelantan United took the lead with their Gambian Alfussainey Gassama on target.
Sarawak United did not allow the setbacks in their way and came back with renewed urgency in their game.
They were rewarded for their strong comeback when substitute Abdul Rahim Razak beat goalkeeper Mohamad Fikri Che Soh via an assist from Rizqi Gopi in the 80th minute.
“The players showed character despite missing a penalty and an own goal. We fought back well and were duly rewarded for the efforts put in by the team.
”It was hard-earned important three points before the break in the league as we did not have our full team due to injuries. We have to work harder to remain at the top,” said chief coach E. Elavarasan.
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