Bukit Nenas to take on Mutiara Impian in U-17 final
A HAT-TRICK from striker Zulfikri Muhamad propelled SMK Bukit Nenas from Terengganu to the final of the KPM-FAM Under-17 League.
They overcame SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah 4-1 in the semifinal on Saturday.
With the first leg, semi-final last week in Jitra ending in a 2-2 stalemate, the side from Setiu knew that they have to pull out all the stops at home for their second final appearance in two years.
The comprehensive victory at home also ensured SMK Bukit Nenas their fourth appearance in the final of the KPMFAM Under-17 Championship in five years.
“We could not have asked for more from the players,” said head coach Zainudin Md Zain, whose team were crowned champions in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
“It was a fabulous team effort. In the final, it is anybody’s game.”
Following a first half deadlock when Zulfikri’s 21st minute effort was cancelled out by SMK Tunku Anum’s Irfan Mohd Noor six minutes later, the home team finally turned on the power after the breather.
Hairiey Hakim Mamat grabbed the second goal for SMK Bukit Nenas a minute before the hour mark as Zulfikri blasted two more goals (71st minute and 90th minute) to complete his hat trick to deny three-time winners SMK Tunku Anum (2010, 2011 and 2012).
In the other semi-final, SMK Mutiara Impian of Penang had little difficulty booking their place in the final despite being held to a 2-2 draw by SMK Seri Kota of Melaka.
With a 5-1 advantage from the first leg in Penang, the draw this time round ensured SMK Mutiara Impian’s progress on a 7-3 aggregate.
Ameer Sedadi gave SMK Mutiara Impian or the Black Tigers the lead after just five minutes before Luqmanul Hakeem Norizam fought back with the equaliser for SMK Seri Kota in the 29th minute.
Mutiara Impian replied with their second goal in the 52nd minute off Asyraaf Izal as the home team then drew level once again through Khairul Azri Ismail in the very last minute of play.