Mis-match rather than match-fixing

Dua FC came under the spotlight during the Shopee FA Cup first round draw in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Batu Dua hammered Rawang City FC 17-1 with former international Manaf Mamat scoring a double hat-trick in the competition’s qualifying match on Sunday, and there were murmurs of match-fixing going around.

But Batu Dua manager Nazri Zahid and Malaysia Football League (MFL) chief executive Kevin Ramalingam quickly quashed it.

“No, I can confirm there were no elements of match-fixing involved in our 17-1 win in the qualifier on Sunday.

“My players gave their best and the goals just kept coming.

“With a budget of RM100,000, we hope to do well in the FA Cup and also win the M3 League,” said Nazri yesterday.

Kevin said: “17-1 does not mean there are elements of match-fixing involved, as scores of 1-0 and 2-1 have also proven to be fixed before, and the number of goals does not count.

“I believe when an amateur team meets a stronger side, scores like this are possible,” said Kevin.

Batu Dua have been drawn against Klasiko FC in the first round.