Terengganu secured their place in the last eight of the 2010 Malaysia Cup competition with almost the last kick of their match against Kuala Lumpur at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras last night. Sitting in third place prior to the final Group B match The Turtles began well with skipper Marzuki Yusof heading the visitors in front from a set piece.
However, Kuala Lumpur who were already eliminated from the competition after their defeat against Pahang on Wednesday decided not to make it easy for Irfan Bakti's boys. They leveled the score early in the second half and despite creating a host of chances Terengganu simply could not find the way past the stubborn home defence.
With Pahang and Sabah tied at 1-1 in Kuantan, Terengganu were facing elimination from the competition which they have managed to qualify for the semi-finals in the last two seasons. Then the Malaysian Super League topscorer, Ashaari Shamsuddin stepped up his game and with time ticking away, unleashed a powerful shot that gave KL goalkeeper no chance.
Cue pandemonium on the terraces where many Ganu fans had gathered to give their support for their beloved Turtles. Unfortunately the same cannot be said with the scenario in Kuala Terengganu where T-Team were facing Felda United.
The Terengganu club-side needed to win big against the 2010 Premier League Champions while hoping for Selangor to win their match against Perlis in Kangar. In the outset, it seemed like an impossible situation.
They began well though and threatened Zainal Rabin's goal early on. Unfortunately they could not maintain the momentum and the match turned into a bore for the spectators, a feeling that was reflected by the lifeless drum beating by the T-Team supporters.
The pace only picked up in the second half but it took a huge error by the Felda United defence which opened up the space for Mohd Haris Safwan to score and put T-Team in the lead. However, the lead only lasted for three minutes when the home side goalkeeper, Ismail Abdul Rahman made a rash challenge on a Felda United player.
The referee had no option but to award a penalty to Felda United. It was duly converted and the 1-1 score remained till the final whistle. If only they showed more composure and creativity they could have overhauled Perlis which were beaten 2-0 by The Red Giants, thus creating history by having two Terengganu teams for the first time in the Malaysia Cup quarter finals.
Alas, it was not meant to be. Now all support will be channeled to Terengganu team which will take on one of their bogey teams in Kedah in the last eight. The first leg will be on 12-10-2010 in Kuala Terengganu with the return leg in Alor Setar four days later.
C'mon Turtles!
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