Fazrul Hazli Kadri, Perak's right winger scored his first goal in the Malaysian League Campaign. However, he overshadowed his impressive performance against Sabah when he got sent off for a lunge on Sabah's captain, Rethauddin Emran.
With 10,000 fans converging in the stadium, the 2-1 victory is sweet for Perak as this is their first win against the Borneo side this season. Perak's goals were scored by Fazrul and Perak's new fan favourite, Failee Ghazali. Sabah got a consolation through Shahrul Azhar Ture.
In the first half, Perak started off well when in the 2nd minute, Failee Ghazali could have nabbed the first goal of the game when Failee was unmarked and could have taken his shot well. However, he took his time and the ever efficient, Rethauddin Emran cleared the danger off.
However, Perak got the game goin on by scoring in the 3rd minute, when loan signing from 23 year old, Shafiq Jamal became the provider when he crossed into the box and Fazrul leaped above Rethauddin to thump a header and beat the sprawling Azizon Kadir.
He could have added another when his tireless pressures paid off when he intercepted Maffry Balang's pass and the winger made his stride only to place his shot wide.
Thanks to a defensive error, Sabah equalised in the 7th minute, when Hishamuddin Shaari misqued his clearance as Farid Ideris capitalised on that mistake. However, Farid's shot was saved by Kamarul Effendy only to see his hardwork being spoilt when Shahrul Azhar Ture capitalised on the loose ball.
The first 10 minutes was a pulsating one as both sides exchanged chances and the Sabah's midfield combination of Radzi Mohammad Husin and Shahrul Azhar Ture outclassed the Perak's centre midfield pairing of Wan Hossein Wan Abdul Ghani and Nazri Kamal.
In the 30th minute, the impressive Fazrul continued to scare Mohammad Fariss Azlan and Rethauddin Emran as his volley from a loose ball just skimmed over the bar as Azizon Kadir breath a sigh of relief.
In the 32nd minute, the substitution of Wan Hossein for K.Nathakumar proved to be the masterstroke as the 34 year old veteran showed the youngsters how to mend the midfield and his presence was the stabilising element for the team.
Shafiq Jamal, who has scored 2 goals in the Malaysia Cup campaign so far could have got his 3rd goal as he beat the offside trap and received a brilliant through pass from Nazri Kamal. However, former National custodian, Azizon showed his experience when he thwarted the on rushing Shafiq.
The winning goal came in the 45th minute when Fazrul Hazli got a penalty and Failee Ghazali proved his credentials when he took his penalty with ease. Fazrul who was fouled by Rethauddin ensured his status as the hero of the team at that moment. Failee, who was given the task to take the penalty, took it with such efficiency and placed it on the left hand corner of the goal.
Come 2nd half, the game was a drabby affair as both sides were erratic in their passing and the tackles flew in as Iranian referee, Ali Dehghanisanij had a tough time controlling the game.
Farid Ideris, who has yet to open his account in the Malaysia Cup, continued his dry run as he managed to get numerous chances only to see his efforst thwarted and going wide off the bar.
Fazrul, turned from Hero to zero, when he received a second yellow after his lunge on Rethauddin. Match referee, Ali wasn't hesitant as he showed the 2nd yellow card and sent Fazli off. Perak were left with 10 men and the last 28 minutes of the game proved to be a tough time for them.
In the 72nd minute, Sabah could have got their equalising goal when Maffrey Balang's cross was connected by Zuraidey Jumai, only to see his placed shot go wide as he was pressured by the impressive K.Nanthakumar.
Perak's defensive woes seems to be cropping up, as in the 78th minute, Khairi Zainuddin would have gifted Sabah their equalising goal when his clearance went wary and the Sabah players tried to exploit it. However, Perak's goalkeeper, Kamarul was there to save the day and he ensured that Perak came out winners from the game.
The 'Seladangs' are currently placed at the 1st spot with 10 points after 4 games whereas Sabah remain at 2nd with 7 points. Kedah who drew against Johor at the Alor Setar Stadium remain at 3rd place with 4 point as Johor collected their 1st point of the campaign as they are rooted at the bottom.
Perak are closer to achieving their dreams of qualifying for the quarter finals as they just need another win or at least a draw to edge to the quarter finals.
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