The first half kicked off in a very topsy turvy manner, and the home side were given a shock early on. Sime Darby went ahead in the fourth minute, courtesy of Asrol. It left the full house crowd in Kuching shell-shocked, but the home side kept their cool.
As the match progressed, Sarawak slowly began to assert their influence on the game, with Junior Eldstal and Guy Bwele winning the midfield battle against the counterparts.
Bobby had a weak attempt that was saved by the Sime Darby goalie, but Sarawak ultimately restored parity on the 26th minute mark. Muamar Salibasic did well to unleash a shot, that sailed into the net, to level the game up.
Minutes later, Eldstal supplied Bobby with yet another through pass, but the forward's attempt went straight towards the goalkeeper. Salibasic then almost turned provider as his cross from the flank was met by Ronny, although the subsequent header only managed to skim against the bar.
Bobby had yet another weak attempt towards the end of the first half, but both sides ultimately went into half time with the score levelled.
After the break, Sarawak came out firing on all cylinders and they only needed few minutes to take the lead.
Salibasic was yet again the man, as he fired home via a deflected free-kick to send the Sarawak fans into raptures. The Crocs continued to apply pressure after that, although Sime Darby were equally dangerous on the break.
The midfield partnership of Guy Bwele and Eldstal continued flourishing in the middle of the park, which made it hard for the Sime Darby midfield to exert their influence.
However, Fahrul Razi tested the Sarawak goalie with a stinging attempt from outside the box, before Salibasic fired an attempt wide of target.
Bobby Gonzales then headed wide from close range, but Sarawak went on to increase their lead minutes later. Muamer Salibasic proved why he is one of the best foreign players in this country as he scored a volley from an acute angle.
Sime Darby kept pushing hard, but despite their best efforts, Sarawak held on to secure a pivotal victory, booking their spot in the semifinals of the 2013 Malaysia Cup.
Next up for the Crocs, the mighty Elephants in Kuantan.
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