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May 31, 2016
KUALA LUMPUR (May 29th, 2016): Terengganu claimed the 2016 TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup title after beating newly-promoted side Police 3-0 in the Division 1 final played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Two goals from Faizal Saari and one from Muhamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook was enough to win Terengganu their second Tun Abdul Razak Cup in four years and end Police’s fairy tale run in the top division.
It was a heated exchange in the early stages and despite the numerous chances, no goals were in sight as both Terengganu and Police demonstrated excellent and disciplined defending.
2012 winners Terengganu finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute after Faizal Saari converted a penalty corner by sending the ball flying into the top left corner of the goal.
Police goalkeeper Zaidi Ibrahim tried to keep their hopes alive with a few brilliant saves, but a thunderous volley from Faizal in the 52nd minute struck the net, followed by Terengganu’s third goal from Muhamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook five minutes later.
Sarjit Singh congratulated his team for the win, adding that it is “very special” for Terengganu to claim the title.
“Both teams started very cautiously, but once we scored the first goal, the game opened up and we capitalised on that to extend the lead. Credit to the boys for executing the game plan effectively.”
Meanwhile, Penang will return to Division 1 after edging Perlis 3-2 via shootout following a 4-4 result in the Division 2 final.
Playmaker Jiwa Mohan put Penang ahead just before half-time from a penalty stroke. But Perlis hit back after the break thanks to goals from Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan (35′), Azhad Akmal Mohd Fahmi (36′) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Abd Jalil (39′).
Penang, who were demoted to Division 2 in the previous Tun Abdul Razak Cup, fought back to make it 3-3 through Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin (44′) and Muhammad Hafizhuddin (47′), but Muhammad Najmi gave Perlis the lead again two minutes later.
Terengganu’s Firhan Ashari (left) attempts to break away from PDRM’s Nabil Fiqri during the 54th TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup 2016 Division One Final match at the National Hockey Stadium, in Bukit Jalil today. Terengganu won 3-0.
Izwan Firdaus forced the match into a shootout with a 67th minute equaliser for Penang, who converted three out of five attempts to edge Perlis 3-2 for victory.
Coach S. Prakash was not satisfied with their performance, but was nevertheless glad Penang are back in Division 1.
“They could be a bit tired mentally … the boys did not play as well as they should. But it is still good for the team to be back in the top division, for that I am happy,” said Prakash.
Perlis coach Badrisham Che Yob hailed his team for giving Penang such a hard time in the final.
“We gave our all … in the end maybe Penang’s experience made the difference. But for me, my players are the heroes today, they did their absolute best on the pitch.”
In the women’s final, Pahang were crowned the first ever TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup champions with a convincing 4-0 win over the Armed Forces.
Skipper Nuraini Abdul Rashid converted from a penalty corner to put Pahang in the lead in the 22nd minute, and Noorain Mohd Arshad doubled the advantage 60 seconds later.
Wan Nor Faiezah Md Saiuti made it 3-0 in the 40th minute, and Nuraini claimed her second and Pahang’s fourth in the 47th minute.
Pahang coach Banadict Arraice was delighted with his girls for putting up their “best performance in this whole tournament”.
“My team keeps playing better and better in each game. Today they executed the game plan perfectly. While we have a few national players forming the backbone of the team, some of the younger players stepped up and I am very happy with the performance and the victory.”
RESULTS – MAY 29, (SUNDAY)
Men’s Division 1 Final – Terengganu 3 Police 0.
Men’s Division 2 Final – Penang 4 Perlis 4 (Penang won shootout 3-2).
Women’s Division – Final: Pahang 4 Armed Forces 0; 3rd-4th Placing: Kuala Lumpur 2 Selangor 4; 5th-6th Placing: Malacca 1 Perak 1 (Perak won shootout 2-0); 7th-8th Placing: Terengganu 1 Johor 2; 9th-10 Placing: Sarawak 5 Penang 3; 11th-12th Placing: Kedah 1 Sabah 1 (Sabah won shootout 4-2).
HONOURS LIST
Men’s Division 1
Fairplay Award- Johor
Man of the Match in Final – Faizal Saari (Terengganu)
Best Goalkeeper – Zaidi Ibrahim (Police)
Top Goalscorer – Faizal Saari (Terengganu)
Best Player – Mohamad Razie Abd Rahim (Police)
Men’s Division 2
Fairplay Award- Sarawak
Man of the Match in Final – Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin (Penang)
Best Goalkeeper – Mohammad Adi Falri Abdul Rahman (Penang)
Top Goalscorer – Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (Perlis), Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin (Penang)
Best Player – Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (Perlis)
Women’s Division
Fairplay Award- Penang
Women of the Match in Final – Nuraini Abdul Rashid (Pahang)
Best Goalkeeper – Noortasya Hidayah Mohd Azlan (Selangor)
Top Goalscorer – Suhaila Sata (Sarawak)
Best Player – Wan Nor Faiezah Md Saiuti (Pahang)
All Matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
