BUKIT JALIL: Kuala Lumpur came back from the jaws of defeat to beat Melaka 4-2 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time in the final, lifting the Razak Cup trophy in style at the National Stadium here today.
It marked another fairytale ending, with Sabah women winning their maiden Razak Cup title by beating Selangor 2-1 earlier. KL finished eighth last season, but a year later, they transformed themselves into champions.
The match seemed to be heading towards a scoreless first quarter, but Melaka's seasoned club player and skipper, Amirrullah Zainol, capitalised on the only clear chance they received, giving them the lead in the 12th minute.
KL came alive in the second quarter and equalised through skipper Zulpidaus Mizun in the 28th minute.
Melaka coach Nor Ikhram Sulaiman and Kuala Lumpur coach I. Vikneswaran took their teams to opposite sides of the pitch and strategised for the next 30 minutes. The final drew an almost capacity crowd at the second pitch of the National Stadium.
Nor Ikhram must have whispered some encouraging words, as Melaka emerged as a fighting unit.
In the 33rd minute, Amirrullah scored his brace with a deft penalty corner deflection into the top of the net, giving his men the lead again.
KL, however, never gave up, and in the 47th minute, off a concerted attack, V. Sriraam found an opening from close range, leveling the final at 2-2.
In the final five minutes, Melaka went for a full press, but super saves from KL goalkeeper Khairul Amirin took the match to a shootout.
"I pay tribute to the seniors who guided this young team to qualify for the final and then beat a hard-running Melaka side in the shootout.
"KL have embarked on a long-term programme to nurture youth and turn them into winners, and this team have shown the way forward for the rest," said Vikneswaran, a former national player.
RESULTS
Men's Third-Fourth: Perak 1 Pahang 1 (Perak win 3-1 on shootout);
Final: Melaka 2 Kuala Lumpur 2 (KL win 4-2 on shootout).
Women's Third-Fourth: Melaka 2 Kuala Lumpur 1;
Final: Selangor 1 Sabah 2.