KOTA SAMARAHAN: Samarahan will use their narrow defeat to Serian as fuel for a stronger comeback, says Samarahan Division Football Association president Mohamad Azri Johari.
In a closely fought match at the Kota Samarahan Open Stadium here yesterday (Nov 23), Samarahan fell 2–1 to Serian in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite the loss, Mohamad Azri expressed pride in his team’s effort and fighting spirit throughout the contest.
“I am truly impressed by the players’ commitment and passion on the field. They gave their all from start to finish,” Mohamad Azri said in a post-match interview with Sarawak Tribune.
The game was a tense affair, with Serian’s Paul Sambang opening the scoring in the 18th minute before Naim Drahman equalised for Samarahan in the 33rd minute. However, a late goal from Paul Sambang in the 88th minute sealed the victory for Serian on Saturday (Nov 22).
Mohamad Azri noted that Samarahan controlled large portions of the match and created several promising opportunities, but were unable to convert those chances into goals.
“Had we been more clinical in front of goal, the outcome could have been very different,” he said.
He also stressed that this defeat would not discourage the team but instead serve as a learning experience and motivation to improve in upcoming matches.
Elsewhere in the Southern Zone, Kuching bounced back with an emphatic 7–0 win over Sarikei at the Sarikei Sports Complex. Meanwhile, PDRM secured a narrow 1–0 victory against Betong at Stadium Sarawak, Petra Jaya.
In the Northern Zone, Kapit recorded a solid 4–0 win over Sibu at the Kapit Sports Complex, while Mukah edged Limbang 2–1 at the Limbang Sports Complex.
As the competition intensifies, teams across the zones are eager to build momentum in their quest for top honours this season.
