KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur and Sabah showed the way to success by banking on young players to win the men's and women's titles in the Razak Cup, which used to be dominated by veterans and national players in the past, in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
KL clinched the men's crown for the first time in 12 years after a thrilling 4-2 shootout victory over Melaka, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Sabah, on the other hand, secured their maiden women's title by defeating Selangor 2-1.
This year's Razak Cup was only open to non-national players, paving the way for up-and-coming players to represent their state teams.
One of the standout performers for KL was 18-year-old goalkeeper Khairul Amirin Kamarul.
He made several stunning saves to deny the favourites Melaka in the men's final.
Khairul's journey was marked by limited playing time during his tenure at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), and he only learned some fine points of shootout tactics a day before the final.
"Khairul was the second-choice keeper at SSTMI, so he didn't have many opportunities to play. However, we gave him a chance, and he performed admirably," said KL coach I. Vikneswaran.
"He also received a crash course in shootout strategies just a day before the final, and he memorised and executed them to thwart two of Melaka's attempts, ultimately securing KL the title after a 12-year wait."
KL are currently scouting players to represent their Malaysia Games squad in next year's edition in Melaka.
Vikneswaran said: "We welcome any player who wants to try out with KL for the Malaysia Games. We will evaluate and assist the player in realising their dream.
"We aim to assemble a diverse squad, but selection will be on merit."
Sabah were another standout, relying on teamwork and determination to overcome the odds and clinch the women's title.
"We came here with a mission and grew together, match by match. In the final, our teamwork enabled us to recover from a goal deficit and secure our maiden title in the eighth edition," said Sabah coach Hasrul Jideh.
FINAL RANKINGS
Men: 1 Kuala Lumpur, 2 Melaka, 3 Perak, 4 Pahang, 5 Johor, 6 Police, 7 Armed Forces, 8 Selangor, 9 Penang, 10 Terengganu, 11 Negri Sembilan, 12 Perlis.
Women: 1 Sabah, 2 Selangor, 3 Melaka, 4 Kuala Lumpur, 5 Penang, 6 Pahang, 7 Negri Sembilan 8 Terengganu, 9 Police, 10 Perak, 11 Johor, 12 Armed Forces.