Sarawak want to end LionsXII's unbeaten home run

Sarawak want to end LionsXII's unbeaten home run

Sarawak continue to insist it is not about revenge, even though two losses to the LionsXII last season contributed to their eventual relegation to the Malaysian Premier League.

The Crocodiles, who bounced straight back up to the Malaysian Super League (MSL) this year, just want the honour of becoming the first team to win at Jalan Besar Stadium, when they face the LionsXII in a Malaysia Cup Group D clash on Wednesday.

Coach Robert Alberts, who recently extended his contract with the Kuching-based side, said: "I know no team have won at Jalan Besar yet, but we also want to win every game.

"The LionsXII have good players and a good coach. Their sense of timing when attacking is one of the best in the MSL, and that's something we have to look out for.

"I feel that the team that make the least mistakes will win and we want the honour of becoming the first team to win at Jalan Besar.

"That would also be our ticket to the quarter-finals."

The LionsXII are the reigning Malaysian Super League champions (MSL) but if they lose on Wednesday, they will be knocked out of the Malaysia Cup in the group stage.

Unhappy

Sarawak arrived in Singapore Mondayevening and Alberts expressed his unhappiness they had to play the LionsXII tomorrow, while all other teams kick off on Tuesday.

The Football Association of Malaysia made the move because many of the LionsXII players were involved in the Merdeka Cup that concluded last Saturday, which meant that after a rest day on Sunday, V Sundramoorthy could hold his first proper training session only last Monday night.

But Alberts felt his team would be at a disadvantage as they would have a day less to recover before Saturday's match against Perak.

He was quoted in the New Sarawak Tribune as saying: "Is it logical and why is Sarawak, a Malaysian team not helped in this situation?"

But the 58-year-old Dutchman insists his team are looking forward to completing their mission here.

Except for long-term injury victim Shahrol Saperi, Sarawak have a clean bill of health.

Alberts tipped Malaysia Under-23 midfielder Junior Eldstal, who tormented the Young Lions when the two national sides met in the recent Merdeka Cup, to play a key role.

Alberts said: "He had a good tournament playing defensive and attacking roles and I hope he can continue his good form for us in the Malaysia Cup."


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