KUANTAN: JUST weeks after securing the Malaysia Games gold medal in Perlis, Perak registered a historic double last week in a five-goal thriller at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan to win their third President’s Cup title in eight years.
The visitors’ 3-2 victory ensured they made up for last year’s disappointment of going down 2-1 to Kelantan in the final in Kota Baru and became the first team to win the Malaysia Games and President’s Cup titles since the former was introduced as an Under-21 competition in 2012.
Perak, cheered by some 500 travelling fans, led 1-0 through an unexpected goal in the 43rd minute through forward Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi.
Shahrel’s tame follow-up shot rolled into the net after Pahang goalkeeper Khairul Nidzam Md Noor, who had earlier foiled a one-on-one attempt from the 20-year-old, was caught stranded while his defenders — who were expecting the ball to go out for a goal kick — could only stare in disbelief.
Pahang, backed by some 2,500 fans, had several goalscoring opportunities in the first half but their attacker — led by top scorer Faizal Abdul Rani, who registered 12 goals this season, failed to get past Perak custodian Hafizul Hakim.
Perak, who beat Johor 3-1 in the Malaysia Games final on June 3, increased their lead four minutes after the break when winger midfielder Khairil Asyraf Sahizah played a defence-splitting pass towards a nippy Fikri Sudin who cooly slid the ball beyond the reach of an onrushing Khairul.
Hard-working Pahang winger Shahrul Nizam, who was a constant threat to the Perak backline with his darting runs and dribbles, got the home fans cheering in the 66th minute when he played a well-measured cross to Faizal, who had the easiest of tasks of tapping the ball into the corner of the net.
Just went Pahang powered forward in search for an equaliser, substitute G. Mugenthirran, who was introduced in place of S. Deevan Raj in the 78th minute, got his name on the scoresheet when he collected a pass from Khairil Asyraf before dribbling past defender Isskandar Zulkarnaen and firing Perak’s third goal.
Barely 30 seconds later, Perak were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Faizzzwan Dorahim received his marching orders after collecting his second yellow card for a foul.
Pahang took advantage from the extra man when midfielder Amirul Kasmuri scored a late consolation goal with a diving header from close range in the 91st minute to make it 3-2 but his brilliant strike came a little too late as Perak, who last won the title in 2012, held on for a slim victory which saw them walking away with a RM100,000 cheque as the champions.
Perak coach Syamsul Saad was pleased with his boys performance saying they deserved the title especially after working hard throughout the season and facing a hectic schedule after taking part in the Malaysia Games.
He said the team had accomplished their mission for this year, which was to win the Malaysia Games gold and regain the President’s Cup after losing in the final last year.
“Although we did not have the services of two players (left winger Mohd Norhakim Isa and midfielder Mohd. Hafiz Ramdan) due to their commitments with the senior team, the current batch of players put up a splendid performance.
“They did not show any fear playing in front of the away fans and blended well with the atmosphere. Some players were playing in their first final and I believe this match will surely help them develop as better players,” said the former Perak player, who was the President’s Cup assistant coach last year.
Batu Gajah-born forward Mugenthirran, who was Perak’s top scorer with 11 goals, said he was overjoyed with the victory in Kuantan, especially after losing to Sabah at the same venue in the Malaysia Games final in 2012.
“The match was my fifth final (three President’s Cup and two Malaysia Games) with Perak. I was roped into the President’s Cup team after suffering a tendon injury with the Perak Super League side two months ago and I guess the move has paid-off,” he said.