Akhimullah in thunderous form
Anuar Esook is playing in his third consecutive TNB Cup final today, and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts can expect him to strike.
The 18-year-old lanky lad scored in the final for SSTMI in 2016 as well as in 2017, and this season, he is their top-scorer with 16 goals.
STMI will do battle with Pahang Sports School (AHP-SSP) Thunderbolts in a repeat final, with the odds heavily favouring Akhimullah and his mates.
In 2017, SSTMI beat AHP-SSP 4-3 in a shootout after a 2-2 draw during regulation time, while in the 2016 final, Bukit Jalil Sports School edged SSTMI 4-3.
“I will be playing in my third consecutive final with SSTMI and I believe I will not disappoint my school. I scored in both the previous finals, and am experienced enough to handle the final pressure,” said Akhimullah.
He is a budding player for the nation as well, having scored 16 goals in the recent Asian Youth Olympics Qualifier in Bangkok to become the tournament topscorer.
AHP-SSP coach Sufian Mohamad played down his team’s chances. “We lost to SSTMI 5-0 in the League (Akhimullah scored two goals), and I believe it will be uphill again in the final.”
TNB CUP FINAL — Men: AHPSSP-Thunderbolts v SSTMI Thunderbolts (National Stadium II, 6.30pm, today).
Women: MSSPP-PSHA v WIPERS-KLSS (National Stadium II, 4.00pm).