By JOSEPH KAOS

KUALA TERENGGANU: Selangor failed to overtake Super League leaders Johor Darul Takzim FC (JDT) after being held to a goalless draw by a valiant T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.

The home side dominated possession and had more chances than their illustrious opponents but Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali was in sterling form to keep a clean sheet yesterday.

Former Dutch international George Boateng was influential in midfield as he orchestrated the home team’s attack and had two opportunities to score himself in the second half.

The ball is mine: T-Team goalkeeper Mohd Iqbal Suhimi making a save from Selangor players during their Super Leaque match at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Terengganu yesterday. — ZABIDI TUSIN / The Star

Slovakian centreback Peter Chrappan made a convincing league debut for Selangor. The 191cm-tall defender showed his aerial prowess by keeping the crosses away from lanky T-Team forward Caleb Folan.

The 28-year-old Chrappan received an eleventh hour green light from the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to replace Lebanese defender Ramez Dayoub, who has been suspended for life by the Lebanese FA for match-fixing.

T-Team coach Peter Butler was pleased with his side’s ability to match Selangor.

“I thought my players were fantastic. They showed brilliant character and great determination to actually try and win. The opponents came here with a better reputation but, for long periods, we showed that we were the better team.

“Unfortunately, we did not take our chances. But if we keep playing like that, we will,” said Butler.

The Englishman also took pot shots at his counterpart Irfan Bakti.

“It makes me laugh that he (Irfan) said he was going to do this and that to us. Show us some respect. Our position is not a true reflection of how we played and today we showed we were better,” said Butler.

Irfan, meanwhile, was disappointed at not being able to beat T-Team, blaming the scorching afternoon sun for his team’s poor performance.

“Of course, I’m disappointed because I know we can win; no offence to the home side.

“But we’re also aware that T-Team tend to play very well against big teams, and they showed it by beating Lions XII and Kelantan. They also nearly beat Johor DT,” said Irfan.

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