KUCHING: Kuching FA were forced to settle for a point after being held to a goalless stalemate by league leaders Serian FA in a tightly contested Sarawak Premier League clash.
Head coach Sahrul Izam Ahmad’s men showed plenty of attacking intent, particularly in the first half, but found no way past a resilient Serian side that proved why they sit comfortably at the summit.
Abang Mohamad Haiqal Abang Mohamad Zaafari nearly opened account in the 24th minute with a thunderous strike from distance, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Serian’s ever-alert goalkeeper Khairulanwar Amin.
Khairulanwar was again called into action in the 38th minute, diving sharply to push away a fierce drive from midfielder Mohammad Faris Mohd Fadillah.
Kuching FA continued to press and earned a series of corners, but the defensive pairing of Affyshahrul Affendi and Norman Ibrahim stood tall to keep the hosts at bay as the first half ended goalless.
The home crowd was almost sent into celebration in the 58th minute when Mohammad Shafitri Salim’s powerful header crashed against the right crossbar, leaving Serian’s defence breathing a sigh of relief.
The match played at Sarawak Stadium on Sunday night (Oct 27), saw both teams trading chances in the second half, each seeking the breakthrough that never came.
Serian captain Zaifudin Seruji nearly turned the tide with a curling free kick in the 80th minute, but Aaron Jeremiah Renang’s follow-up effort went agonisingly wide.
In the end, neither side could find the finishing touch, as the points were shared.
Serian FA maintain their lead at the top with 16 points, while Kuching FA remain close behind in second on 13.
