Perak can still count on Seator but Crocs won't have Sarpong

BY RIZAL ABDULLAH

KUCHING: Sarawak’s Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Sarpong and Perak’s Liberian striker Frank Seator are both down with knee injuries but while Sarpong will sit out today’s return leg Malaysia Cup quarter-final match, Seator will still be the man to watch out for. 

Sarpong did not train yesterday morning as he went to see a doctor. However, he was at the stadium during the evening workout. Coach Jalil Ramli, however, has left him out of the line-up. 

With Sarpong out, there will certainly be a big gap in the Sarawak backline tonight - as Perak look to ride on goals by Indian international Bhaichung Butia (15th) and Yusri Che Lah (67th) minutes from the first leg. 

Sarpong, however, believes his team have a chance to get back into the match. “It does not matter if I am playing or not. I think Sarawak are good enough to beat Perak. We are capable of overcoming the two-goal deficit,” said Sarpong, who was guilty of several blunders in the first leg which angered Jalil. 

“I admit it was my mistake. Everybody makes mistakes but why blame me ... why single me out? Even if I don’t get to play, I will be praying from the sidelines,” said Sarpong. 

Seator, meanwhile, had no such problems. Although he limped out in the final 20 minutes of the first-leg, he is almost fully recovered. 

“The injury isn’t that bad but it is still slightly swollen and I am doing what I can to see action in the return leg. 

“I had a jab this morning (yesterday) to help the swelling subside. I should be okay by the time we play Sarawak. 

Although he failed to score, Seator played a crucial role in Perak’s win over Sarawak on Wednesday. 

“I should have stopped after receiving the kick as I was limping all the way then,” said Seator, who had played on with the injury until the 71st minute when he was substituted.  

“The injury could have been further aggravated if I had not come out but I am glad we won,” said Seator.