SELAYANG: An understrength Police side fell 3-0 to Malaysia University Football Team (MUFT) in the first round of the FA Cup at the Selayang Stadium today.
Two quick goals from Syahir Abdul Rahman in the fifth minute and Hadi Mohamad in the ninth gave MUFT a comfortable lead before Zharif Nazhan Refli sealed the shock win for the A1 Semi-Pro League side with a goal deep into added time.
Did Police underestimate MUFT? Police coach P. Maniam opted to field his second-stringers and rest his foreign stars, including former Super League Golden Boot winner Ifedayo Olusegun, Faith Obilor, Prince Aggreh, Chidi Osuchukwu, Fadi Awad, Bruno Suzuki and Kyaw Min Oo.
Without their big guns, Police struggled to match the Uni Boys who showed determination and energy.
Last season, Police were the surprise package of the Super League, finishing a respectable eighth in the 14-team competition.