ZAMRI MORSHIDI’S header in the 33 minute was all 10-men Sarawak needed to sink Selangor 1-0 at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya today and advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
The visitors got off to fine start, and came close in the second minute, when Zamri’s shot sailed just wide of the right post.
Selangor slowly crept back into the match, and had their first clear opportunity in the 13th minute, when Mohd Fitri Shazwan crossed in from the left to find Brazilian Paulo Rangel, who headed straight at goalkeeper Sani Anuar Kamsani.
The Croc’s captain Ronny Harun deserves credit, as it was his long throw into the Selangor penalty box in the 33 minute that eluded almost everyone and found Zamri coming in from the far post to head in past a helpless Farizal Marlias.
Rangel had another chance in first half stoppage time, but moved too soon and was flagged offside after a nice one-two with Fitri at the edge of the box.
Things didn’t look good for the visiting Crocs when their goalkeeper Sani was sent off in the 61 minute, when he tackled Fitri outside the penalty box.
Despite that, Sarawak kept their nerves to finish the match in style, thus equalling last season’s feat of reaching the quarterfinals.
Sarawak coach Robert Alberts said; “It could have been a better match if it wasn’t for the poor pitch.”
The Crocs will take on either Sime Darby of Felda United in the last eight.
