KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 – It was sweet revenge for Sarawak United as the East Malaysian outfit romped to a 3-0 win over Police in Friday’s Premier League match at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras to tighten their place at the top.
The Golden Hornbills, who suffered a shock defeat (2-0) to the lawmen in the first round, gave a commanding performance at Cheras but took their foot off the pedal after Brazilian Sandro Mendonca grabbed a brace in the first half.
He got his first of the night in 18 minutes and added another in the 36th minute. The two goals by Sandro, his first goals this season were certainly a big boost to the team as the league hits the home stretch.
Still, Nigerian hitman Uche Agba netted in the 82nd minute for his 13th goal for Sarawak United and stay in contention for the Golden Boot Award.
Agba is only one goal behind Ghanaian Jordan Mintah of Terengganu FC 2 and Fernando Rodgriquez of JDT FC II, who have 14 goals each.
”It was a good win for us. Police, however, have improved and gave us a run. I must thank our defense for doing a good job, said Sarawak United head coach E. Elavarasan who has given the players a two-day break after the match.
With the win, Sarawak United has opened up a five-point lead at the top with 357 points from 17 matches over second-placed Negri Sembilan who are on 32.
Negeri Sembilan conceded a last minute goal against Kelantan FC in their 2-1 defeat at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Bahru.
The dropped points against Kelantan FC could cost Negeri Sembilan dearly in their quest to win the Premier League title.
Sarawak United and Negeri Sembilan are expected to battle for the crown.
Kelantan took the lead in the 12th minute through Syed Sobri but Negeri Sembilan made it all square through their Togo striker Francis Kone in the 16th minute.
Just when the match looked headed for a stalemate Norshamil Abdul Ghani struck the winner for Kelantan FC.
”We shot ourselves in the foot. We have only ourselves to blame for the heartbreaking defeat”, said Negeri Sembilan head coach K. Devan.