Pahang Retain the Malaysia Cup

Defending Malaysia Cup champions, Pahang retained the prestigious trophy after beating JDT 5-3 on penalties. Both sides were tied with two goals apiece after extra-time.

Zainal Abidin Hassan repeated the feat achieved by his close friend, Dollah Salleh who brought the cup back to Pahang for the first time since 1992, this time making sure it stays in Pahang for another season.

The final started off with both teams testing each other but it was Pahang who made the breakthrough.

Striker Dickson Nwaekeme powered past the static JDT defence to head home a free-kick by Azidan Sarudin to give the fans in yellow the start they were hoping for.

However, the star-studded JDT side began to find their footings and just after the half hour mark levelled the score when Pereyra Diaz reacted first to a blocked shot by Fadhli Shas to volley the ball past Khairul Azhan.

Four minutes later JDT turned things around when Luciano Figueroa sent Khairul the wrong way from the spot after the referee awarded a penalty to his team when Pahang skipper, Razman Roslan handled in the box.

JDT dominated proceedings with Figueroa hitting the post early in the second half. They were further boosted when Pahang defender, Saifulnizam Miswan was given the marching order in the 68th minute during an altercation with Amri Yahyah.

Despite being down to ten men, it was Pahang who scored next when their trio of imports combined to breach JDT defence. Mattias Conti headed a high ball to an unmarked Damion Stewart who found Nwaekeme with a quick pass.

The striker could not have wished for a better chance and he finished it clinically to level the score for The Elephants.

JDT continued to create the better chances but in the end neither goalkeeper was really troubled as the match ended in a stalemate after extra-time, forcing the penalty shootout to make a return to the Malaysia Cup final for the first time since 1998.

Razman, Stewart, Shahrizan Salleh and Zesh Rehman all converted their kicks to make it 4-3 with Figueroa, Diaz and Haris Harun having done the same for JDT.

Their next penalty taker was Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who due to the combination of Figueroa and Diaz lacked playing time together another Malaysia striker, Safee Sali.

His effort was tame with the ball travelling at a comfortable height for Khairul to make a save and the favour swung heavily on Pahang to win the cup through Hafiz Kamal.

The substitute did not disappoint with a well struck penalty and Pahang have their fourth Malaysia Cup title.


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