SAMARAHAN: A last-gasp winner from Paul Sambang sealed a dramatic triumph for Serian against 10-man Samarahan, capping a fiery Southern Zone clash at the Samarahan Stadium on Saturday (Nov 22).
Serian struck first in the 18th minute when Paul punished a goalkeeping blunder, pouncing on a loose ball to slot home the opener.
Samarahan nearly levelled with a powerful effort that was cleared off the line, before finally equalising through Naim Drahman. Naim took full advantage of hesitant defending to make it 1–1.
Despite difficult pitch conditions forcing both sides into a long-ball game, the match remained lively with chances at both ends.
Ashri Chuchu came close to restoring Serian’s lead when he broke free inside the box, only to be denied by a sharp save from the Samarahan custodian.
At the other end, Mansor Keram produced a dangerous attempt of his own, but Serian goalkeeper Khairulanwar Amin stood firm to keep the visitors level during a tense spell of pressure.
The momentum swung decisively in Serian’s favour late on when a Samarahan’s Izray Azirul Roslan received a straight red card, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Serian mounted one final surge.
In the 88th minute, Paul latched onto a loose ball and fired home the winner to complete his brace and secure all three points for the visitors.
The 2-1 result strengthens Serian’s standing, while Samarahan will look to rue their missed opportunities.
