KUCHING: Despite holding a three-goal advantage, Samarahan FA are refusing to take anything for granted as they prepare for a stern away test against Miri FA in Saturday’s return-leg encounter.
Samarahan Division Football Association (PBBS) president, Mohd Azri Johari, said the 3–0 first-leg victory achieved last weekend is far from enough to guarantee a place in the semi-finals.
“Although on paper the team, under the guidance of highly experienced coach Ideris Untong, hold a three-goal advantage, it is still not enough to be considered safe,” he said.
According to Azri, Miri are well known for their fighting spirit and the team are expected to mount a strong response playing on home ground.
“We are, of course, happy with the comfortable 3–0 win achieved by the players against Miri last Saturday.
“However, there are still another 90 minutes to be played in the return leg. I believe this Saturday’s match will be very different,” he said when met recently.
Azri stressed that he is not prepared to see his team’s advantage slip away and expects Samarahan to remain fully focused until the final whistle.
Commenting on the first-leg performance, Azri praised the commitment and fighting spirit shown by his players.
“Thank you to all the players. The commitment and fighting spirit you displayed throughout the match were truly excellent,” he said, adding that he believes the same intensity can be maintained in this weekend’s encounter.
In the first leg, Samarahan’s goals were scored by Muhd Zarif Razali in the 30th minute, Ahmad Mubin Hamlet in the 85th minute, and Awang Kamaruddin Awang Bohan in stoppage time (90+3).
