ALOR STAR: The Kedah youth squad made history by lifting the FAM Youth Cup for the first time in front of their home crowd, defeating Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang (SSMP) at the Darul Aman Stadium tonight.
Both teams were drawn 3-3 on aggregate but Kedah emerged champions under the away-goal rule, having netted two away goals in the first-leg of the final at the UiTM Shah Alam Stadium last Wednesday.
That game ended 3-2 in SSMP's favour.
Captain Muhammad Asnawi Sonkurnaian emerged as Kedah's hero by netting the first goal in the 55th minute to equalise on aggregate after a goalless draw in the first 45 minutes.
Asnawi found the net after heading the ball past SSMP goalkeeper Aidil Mirza from a wonderful cross by midfielder Muhammad Khairuddin Mohd Salleh, to the delight of the 2,500-strong home crowd.
Kedah's Under-19 players pushed forward to kill off the game with several tries in the second half.
They had several clear chances and came close to scoring the second goal. A superb effort by midfielder Muhammad Ezmie Naim Eddy Effendy in the 75th minute hit the bar, although the goalkeeper was clearly defeated.
Kedah continued to dominate possession and piled on the pressure with an attempt by Malaysia SEA Games 2017 squad member, Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid in the 85th minute.
The attempt however was parried away by Aidil.
SSMP's Under-17 squad had several opportunities through counter attacks but failed to convert the chances they had.
It was a glorious night for the Kedah youth team when referee Muhammad Shahrul Amin Abd Aziz blew the final whistle at the 94th minute, declaring them champions of the 2017 FAM Youth Cup.