Perak emerge champions of M’sia Cup 2018
SHAH ALAM: Perak were crowned champions of the Malaysia Cup 2018 after beating Terengganu FC (TFC) 4-1 in the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the final at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday night.
In a stadium packed to the brim with supporters from both sides, Perak goalkeeper Muhammad Hafizul Hakim Jothy emerged the hero, saving the opponents’ first two spot kicks, earning Perak its eighth title.
TFC and Perak met in the Malaysian Cup finals after 17 years which brought back memories of their classic encounters in 1998 and 2001.
Terengganu FC entered the final through a 3-2 aggregate win over defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim while Perak advanced after thrashing Sabah 7-2 over two-legs of the semi-final.
Perak lifted the Malaysia Cup in 1998, winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Terengganu FC (known as Terengganu in 2001) were crowned champions in 2001 after defeating Perak 2-1 in the match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
TFC went ahead just 48 seconds into the match after star striker Kipre Tchetche latched onto a loose ball following a poor back-pass by Perak midfielder Mohamad Idris Ahmad.
The aggressive atmosphere of the match, coupled with referee Suresh Jayaraman’s decision to award many advantages and allowing the game to continue, resulted in a flurry of attacks in both directions.
At the end of the first half, Perak’s poor attempt to get the ball out of its half resulted in an interception by TFC midfielder Abdul Malik Mat Arif who passed it to Kipre, and the Ivorian made no mistake in doubling the lead, helping himself to a brace in the process.
The second half saw the resurgence of Mehmet Durakovic’s men who came flying out of the blocks to halve the lead through Muhammad Firdaus Saiyadi’s strike in the 46th minute.