By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 13: The clash between Sarawak and Perak futsal squads kept over 3,000 spectators on the edge of their seats at the Kota Samarahan Indoor Stadium this afternoon, culminating in a nail-biting 4-4 draw.
Despite the advantage of playing on home turf, Sarawak’s squad could not secure a win in the final moments of their debut match in Group B of the men’s futsal event for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) Sarawak 2024.
Managed by Mohamad Faizal Zamri, Sarawak’s team was stunned early on as Perak’s Danish Shaufi capitalised on a defensive lapse to score within the first minute, according to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
However, Sarawak swiftly responded, with Muhammad Haziyhidawi Mazlan levelling the score to 1-1 just four minutes later.
The first half continued with relentless counter-attacks from both sides. Perak seized the momentum, with Muhammad Haziyhi Dawi and Mohamad Amirul Aiman ​​netting back-to-back goals in the 12th and 13th minutes, pushing Perak ahead 3-1.
Sarawak’s Asyraf Zakaris reignited hope for the home fans by narrowing the deficit in the 20th minute, sending the teams into halftime with Perak leading 3-2.
The second half began with renewed energy as Sarawak levelled the score once more, thanks to an own goal by Perak’s Mohamad Amirul Aiman.
Sarawak then surged ahead with a brilliant dead-ball goal, taking a 4-3 lead and igniting the crowd’s excitement.
Just when it seemed Sarawak had secured a hard-fought victory, Perak’s Abdul Hadi struck in the final 10 seconds of the match, dashing Sarawak’s hopes with a last-minute equaliser.
With this draw, Sarawak will now focus on their next challenge, set to face Pahang at 4.30pm tomorrow (Aug 14).
The intense match was witnessed by notable figures including Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, as well as Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang. — DayakDaily
