Titans Tall Task

T-Team Titans could only drew 1-1 against Sime Darby FC at the Selayang Municipal Stadium last night, a result which saw them dropping back into the relegation zone.

This was due to the Armed Forces (ATM) drawing in Terengganu on Friday and Perak winning their match against the Lions XII 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

At Selayang, Patrich Wanggai gave the visitors a dream start with a goal just after eight minutes. However Titans former player, Fadzli Saari levelled the score in the 22nd minute and it stayed until the final whistle.

Perak and ATM would be safe if they win their matches against Pahang and Sime Darby respectively.

This will see The Titans needing to beat The Lions by four clear goals in order to avoid the drop to the second tier Premier League.

Titans head coach,  Azraai Khor would be highly motivated to get the necessary result for his team in order to avoid the embarrassment of suffering consecutive relegations from the Super League after going down with Negeri Sembilan last season.

Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) will be crowned Super League champions if they managed to win at Sarawak intimidating cauldron,  the State Stadium.

Failing to do so could see Selangor taking the title if they manage to get the expected three points against the already relegated PKNS FC.

Canfield Closing in on First World Title

USOne skipper, Taylor Canfield took one step closer to his first World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) title after qualifying to the last four of the season ending event, the Monsoon Cup at Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu.

The holder of the Monsoon Cup finished the qualifying round at the top of the table with nine wins with defeats against current world champions, Ian Williams and Frenchman, Mathieu Richard spoiling his record. Williams however lost to Bjorn Hansen, Adam Minoprio and Phil Robertson to finish second in the table.

The tradition at the event is for the top skipper choosing his opponent for the last eight battle. Canfield chose to sail against Keith Swinton who finished in the last spot of the qualifying round while seventh placed Francessco Bruni was the pick for Williams.

Hansen who finished in third place picked out fourth placed Richard leaving New Zealander Robertson to battle with fellow countryman, Minoprio.

The sky opened up during the quarter-finals which reduced the visibility, forcing the sailors to go back to the dock. When the weather permitted, Canfield who was already leading Swinton finished the job with ease to qualify for the semi-final.

Robertson who was leading Minoprio before the disruption also did not have any problem overcoming the 2009 World Champion in their second match to book his place in the last four.

However the break provided fresh impetus for Bruni who lost his first match against Williams. The Italian found his second wind to level the score. The four time world champions however dug deep into his reserve in the third match to clinch his semi-final spot.

Hansen's decision to pick Richard as his opponent backfired when he lost to the Frenchman and was eliminated.

In the semi-finals tomorrow, Canfield picked Robertson to be his opponent which is going to be a repeat of last year's final while Williams will face off against Richard.


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Favourites Stumble on Opening Day of Malaysia Cup Campaign

Last night saw the first round of matches in the 2013 Malaysia Cup competition were played with a few unexpected results recorded at the end of the ninety minutes.

Group A saw Sime Darby FC which won promotion from the Premier League; upsetting their Super League opponent, the Armed Forces (ATM) 4-3 at the Selayang Stadium.

Another Premier League side, Johor held Selangor to a scoreless draw at the Pasir Gudang Stadium, giving the Red Giants a mixed start to their Mission 33 campaign.

Favourites JDT FC suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to PKNS FC in Group B with Liberian striker, Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh notching a brace.

In another Group B match, Felda United who were playing for the first time at their new home stadium in Temerloh suffered a 1-0 defeat to T-Team TiTans.

In an East Coast derby at the Darul Makmur, Pahang held holders Kelantan to a 1-1 draw in Group C while relegated Negeri Sembilan won 2-0 against host, Terengganu at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah.

Super League champions, Lions XII were held to a 2-2 draw by Premier League side, Kedah at the Jalan Besar Stadium. In Ipoh, Premier League champions, Sarawak began their campaign on the wrong foot after losing 2-1 against Perak.


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Chua Boon Huat Dies

This morning our nation lost another star in the sports fraternity when Chua Boon Huat died in an accident occurred at the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong.

Boon Huat was recently earned a recall to the national squad by Head Coach, Paul Revington. He was keen to do well in the upcoming Asia Cup 2013, scheduled to be held in Ipoh later this month. The winner of this tournament will qualify automatically for the 2014 World Cup.

The Malacca born player came to prominence when he played for Malaysia as an 18 year old at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur after being given the chance by then Malaysia Head Coach, Paul Lissek.

His was an untimely death and the nation will mourn the loss.


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Malaysia Cup 2013 Draw Ceremony

The draw for the Malaysia Cup 2013 was made at TM Convention Centre this evening. In a ceremony that was broadcasted 'live' over Astro Arena, FAM formally revealed their new main sponsor for the tournament, Watsons the prominent health and beauty store chain in Malaysia.

The draw ceremony, which involved several stars from the Malaysia 1972 Olympic squad including Soh Chin Aun; saw several interesting match-ups.

Group A saw favourites Selangor having the Armed Forces (ATM) as their company. Premier League runners-up, Sime Darby FC was also drawn into the same group together with another Premier League side, Johor FA.

Another Johor side, Darul Takzim FC was picked out to head Group B. The Southern Tigers will have Premier League champions, Sarawak as company with northern sides Perak and Kedah completing the group.

Three east coast sides were drawn together in Group C. FA Cup winners, Kelantan will have to negotiate their way past neighbouring Terengganu and Pahang as well as Negeri Sembilan in order to get out from this group.

Perhaps for the first time in history, a group made up of all club sides was drawn with Lions XII, PKNS FC, T-Team Titans and Felda United were grouped in Group D.

The first round of matches are scheduled for Tuesday, 20 August with the final to be held at Stadium Nasional on 3 November.


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Turtles Through to Last Four

Terengganu eased into the last four of the 2013 FA Cup competition after registering a 3-0 win over Negeri Sembilan in Kuala Terengganu this afternoon.

Ashaari Shamsuddin who missed The Turtles defeat to Darul Takzim FC recently due to suspension, opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he sneaked in unmarked between two defenders to connect with Effa Owona's pass.

Owona then found the net twice against his former team, the first when he reacted first after Faizal Muhammad's header had came off the heels of Negeri Sembilan defender, Mohamad Alif. Another goal was scored from the penalty spot.

Having led 3-1 from the first leg, The Turtles advanced on a 6-1 aggregate and now will meet Kelantan after the holders eliminated Sarawak on a 4-1 aggregate.

The Stags won 2-0 on Kuching with goals coming from Indra Putra Mahyuddin and Norfarhan Mohamad. The match however was not without controversy as three goals by the home side were disallowed by the referee.

After being held to a scoreless draw in Kuantan, Pahang took the initiative against the home side, Premier League leaders Sime Darby FC. Their new signing, Argentine Matias Conti scored a brace in the second half to eliminate last season finalist from the competition.

The Elephants will meet Darul Takzim FC who staged a remarkable comeback against Selangor at the Shah Alam Stadium. The visitors, already trailing 2-1 from the first leg found themselves further adrift after Mahali Jasuli scored for the Red Giants.

However, Leonel Jorge Nunez the Argentinian who was signed to replace the departed Dani Guiza managed to find the net twice in the second half to tie the aggregate to 3-3.

No goal was scored in the extra thirty minutes and the tie had to be decided on penalties. The home side failed to convert two of their kicks which ultimately seal their fate as they lost 4-2 on penalties.


...

Turtles Struck at the Death

Two goals in added time brought smiles among the travelling Terengganu fans as their side will take a 3-1 lead back to Kuala Terengganu for the second leg of their FA Cup quarter final tie against Negeri Sembilan.

The home side, currently propping the Super League table put up a display that belied that position as they dominated proceedings in the early part of the match, only to be let down by their frontline inability to finish chances that came their way.

Former Negeri Sembilan striker, Effa Owona was keen to show what the home side are missing this season as he led the line for The Turtles. However he was kept on a tight leash by William Modibo who never let his fellow countryman out of his sight.

The match was played on a heavy pitch after rain came down in the afternoon causing players to slip frequently.

The match saw its first goal in the 73rd minute when a continuous pressure by Negeri Sembilan forced Terengganu defender, Vincent Bikana into making an error when his attempted clearance fell to Nazrin Nawi whose shot finally saw Sharmiza Yusoff beaten.

The Deers fans celebrated wildly but their joy was cut short four minutes later when Owona's smart finish saw the scoreline even once again. The goal seemed to take out the fight from the home side as Terengganu looked the stronger side in the last ten minutes.

Owona then earned a penalty in the last minute after he was fouled by Modibo inside the box. The striker was determined to take the penalty himself, brushing the request from Abdul Manaf Mamat to let him take the spot kick.

It was a bad decision by Owona who saw his attempt well saved by Hamsani Ahmad. The goalkeeper clearly enjoyed the moment as it looked like he had ensured his team will go with a fighting chance to Kuala Terengganu.

However Hamsani looked like a beaten man after four minutes of added time saw his goal was breached twice. First from a Ismail Faruqi's corner when Ashaari Shamsuddin rose highest to flick home at the near post.

Before the goalkeeper could catch his breath again, Terengganu were on the attack again after they managed to break down the home side attack. Abdul Manaf laid the ball into the path of Ahmad Nordin Alias.

Despite Hamsani managed to save the initial shot, the midfielder latched onto the rebound to ensure a healthy lead for his side to bring back to Kuala Terengganu for the second leg.

In Johor Bahru, home side Darul Takzim fell 2-1 to Selangor who scored through Mahali Jasuli and Amri Yahyah before Safee Sali reduced the deficit from the spot kick. Daniel Guiza failed to cap his farewell with a goal after his attempt from the penalty spot was saved by Norazlan Razali.

Pahang failed to use their home advantage to the fullest after they failed to find their way past Premier League side, Sime Darby FC as Ismail Zakaria's boys held the Super League boys to a goalless stalemate.

Joseph Kalang Tie scored a precious away goal for Sarawak in Kota Bahru in his side 2-1 defeat to holders, Kelantan. Faiz Subri had put his side ahead with a wonderful long range shot just after seven minutes before Khairil Izuan Rosli doubled the lead in the 23rd minute.


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Deflections Floored Unlucky Turtles

Two deflected goals helped Darul Takzim FC to overcome Terengganu at the Hassan Yunus Stadium in Johor Bahru last night. However it was the visitors who opened the scoring when Effa Owona finished smartly a pass from Abdul Manaf Mamat.

The home side was gifted with a goal when Terengganu veteran defender Rosdi Talib wrestled Nurul Azwan Roya inside the box in the 36th minute. Daniel Guiza made no mistake from the spot even though Sharmiza Yusof had gone the right way.

Darul Takzim went ahead when Guiza shot took a deflection off Vincent Bikana's boot to leave Sharmiza stranded minutes before the interval. Then Southern Tigers went further ahead when Nurul's shot took another heavy deflection before looping over Sharmiza to make it 3-1.

Owona led the line as The Turtles tried to fight back. The Cameroon striker used his physical presence to reduce the gap to just a single goal when he headed home from a corner.

Terengganu tried to force the equaliser but in the end Darul Takzim managed to hold on despite playing with ten men after Tharmimi Saiban was dismissed after he received his second yellow card for the night.

The win saw Darul Takzim climbed to third in the Super League table, equal on points with Selangor but with an inferior goal difference. The Red Giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Felda United on Friday.

Instead, it was Darul Takzim neighbour, the Lions XII that went to the top of the charts when a solitary strike by Shahril Ishak managed to see off the challenge from bottom side, Negeri Sembilan.

Terengganu meanwhile dropped to eighth spot behind Kelantan who registered a fortunate 3-2 win over the Armed Forces (ATM) on Friday. Both sides have the same number of points but the The Stags have a better goal difference.

Pahang climbed to fifth after registering their second away win of the season after coming back from behind in Kuala Terengganu. The home side T-Team Titans who were at the back of six match without a win, went ahead through Mohamad Muinuddin in the 24th minute.

However, a misjudgment by Titans goalkeeper, Iqbal Suhimi allowed Fauzi Roslan to level the score with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Titans clearly missing the influential George Boateng in the middle of the park who was suspended for the match.

Faizol Hussin then put The Elephants ahead with seven minutes to go as the home side lost their concentration. Substitute Gopinathan Ramachandra put the match beyond the reach of Peter Butler's boys with a low shot three minutes later to make it seven match without a win for The Titans.

PKNS FC were shocked by Perak at the Shah Alam Stadium after Rafiuddin Rodin's strike fifteen minutes from time was enough to separate the two sides at the end of ninety minutes.

In the lone Premier League match played last night, Kuala Lumpur defeated UiTM 2-1. However the result did not affect their positions in the lower half of the table.


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Defeat for THT in Their Second Match

After the intense battle against Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in their opening match, Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) found the going tough in their second match against Maybank today.

THT looked more settled than in their previous match and were able to force five penalty corners but could not make full use of them. The newly formed side looked heavy at times and could not find their way past the Maybank defence.

Action from the Maybank vs THT match

(Photo taken from the TNB-MHL official website)

The Tigers fielded four Pakistan players in their line-up with Muhammad Irfan, Shakeel Abbasi, Muhammad Waqas and Shafqat Rasool taking on the field. With fresh legs they were the early aggressors as they forced a penalty corner early in the match.

However THT custodian, Hazrul Faiz managed to palm away the effort by Mohamad Zulhairi Hashim. Coming to the half hour mark the goalkeeper was finally beaten.

Pakistani player Shakeel dispossessed THT skipper, Mohamad Shahrun Nabil before dribbling past two defenders. A reverse stick hit gave Hazrul no chance at all and Maybank took the lead.

The lead did not last long as THT upped the tempo and scored the equaliser in the 33rd minute when Sufi Ismat managed to put the ball past Maybank goalkeeper, Hanaffi Hassan.

The second half saw THT having more possession but the well drilled Maybank defence stood firm to soak up the pressure by the east coast side. The Tigers then looked dangerous when they break and from such instance they scored the winner.

The anticipation of Muhammad Waqas was spot on as he diverted an off target hit by Shafqat Rasool past Hazrul.

THT tried to chase the match but could not find their way past Hanaffi. The task was made much harder when Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin was flashed the yellow card with just four minutes remaining.

In the end it was too much for Nik Rozemi's boys and they have to settle for just a point from two matches.


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Khyril To The Rescue

Malaysia registered their first victory in the 2015 Asian Cup qualifying campaign when they overcame a stubborn Yemen side 2-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Substitute Khyril Muhymeen was the hero when he headed home a cross from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha from the right with ten minutes remaining. The Kedah striker has been on the pitch less than five minutes coming on for Amri Yahyah.

However the home fans were shocked when Yemen lone striker, Al Hagri put his team ahead with a well taken goal with just twelve minutes on the clock. The striker managed to get past two Malaysian defenders on the right before unleashing a shot that went past Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

The Kelantan goalkeeper who has not been at his best for quite sometime now must be asking himself how could the shot go past him. However he redeemed himself when he produced a number of good saves to keep his side in contention throughout the match.

Mahalli Jasuli who was also guilty for the Yemenis' goal made amends later when his run down the flank and subsequent cross caused panic in the visitors' defence.

In his attempt to clear the ball from danger a Yemeni defender accidently passed the ball to the unmarked Azamuddin who was lurking at the far post. The Pahang forward made no mistake in front of the open goal to level the score.

Malaysia totally dominated proceedings and could have won by a bigger a margin had Nor Shahrul worn his shooting boot tonight. Unfortunately he was not and the Darul Takzim FC striker wasted a number of clear cut chances. Despite that he still played his part in providing the cross that led to the winning goal scored by Khyril.

The win would certainly lift some pressure on Malaysia head coach, Rajagopal who came under more intense media scrutiny after his comment about the lack of striking options available to him was due to FAM allowing foreign players to ply their trade again in the Malaysian League.


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Eight Goals Thriller as THT Began With a Draw

The 2013 Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) kicked off today with defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) announced their attention to continue dominating the local hockey scene with a 5-0 thrashing of UniKL.

Debutant Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) held their more illustrious opponents, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to a 4-4 draw with Terengganu born Fadzli Saari scoring a hattrick for his employer, TNB.

TNB junior side, TNB Thunderbolts meanwhile opened their campaign with a bang by registering a 6-0 win over Tengku Mohamad Ismail Sports School while UiTM recorded a 4-2 win over MBI.

Uniten KPT also started their campaign with a win, scoring three goals against Sunday 20/30 who managed to reply one back of their own. In another match, Nur Insafi Warriors held Sapura to a 1-1 draw.


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THT Taking On the Big Guns in 2013 MHL

The 2013 Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) will see Terengganu having a representative for the first time since the participation of Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council carried the flag for the state in the early days of the competition.

The Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) will be seen as one of the favourites to do well in the MHL as they managed to get six Malaysian internationals from defending champions, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC).

The six are: Mohamad Shahrun Nabil, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Ismail Abu, Mohamad Ameerullah Aziz, Fitri Saari and last season MHL Best Player, Azlan Misron.

They will combine their skills and experience with nine players from the victorious Terengganu SUKMA squad which won the gold medal in the 2012 games held in Kuantan, Pahang.

Apart from these players the team will be enhanced by two foreign players who are yet to be identified by the team management.

However, THT will not have it easy as other more experienced teams feel they will need time to gel. That was the view of Nur Saiful Zaini Nasaruddin, the assistant manager of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) whom will be THT opponent in the opening fixture.

Nur Saiful believes his side familiarity with one another will be the key to their success this season. In addition they have recruited two good players in Mohamad Marhan Jalil and Mohamad Ramadhan Rosli.

TNB will be without any foreign player this season and so will UniKL. However, the latter's coach, Arul Selvaraj will not be unfazed as he believes his charges who are mostly from the national juniors squad are capable of playing good hockey and will do well to finish in the top six of the MHL to qualify for the knock-out stage.

Meanwhile, defending champions KLHC are not worried about losing the six national players to THT as they have brought in five Pakistanis internationals into their squad.

Five goals hero for Pakistan in the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Muhammad Imran will be combining with his compatriots Waseem Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Muhammad Umar Bhutta and Akhtar Ali. They will be joined by Australian international, Tim Deavin.

KLHC coach, K.Dharmaraj is very positive about his team chances in grabbing all the three titles at stake. Despite that he will take a game by game approach in order not to be caught off-guard by his opponents.

Other teams vying for the Premier Division title are Maybank, Nur Insafi Warriors and Sapura. The three of them also strengthened their squad by engaging foreign players who are mostly from Pakistan.

Maybank will be relying on the services of former skipper of Pakistan, Shakeel Abassi and his compatriots: Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Waqas and Shafqat Rasool in the tournament.

Sapura also opted for a Pakistanis flavour with a dash of Indian with the signings of Khasif Ali, Yasir Islam and Muhammad Zubair from Pakistan while India's Raja Veerachamy completing the foreign quartet in the team.

Six Pakistan players have also been signed by Nur Insafi Warriors for this season campaign. They are Nasir Ahmad, Abdul Asim Khan, Shazad Amir, Imran Muhammad, Hussain Muhammad Salman and Ateeq Muhammad.

The Division One title will be competed by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), UNiTEN KPT, Sunday 20/30, Tengku Mohamad Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), TNB Thunderbolts and MBI.


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Abdul Manaf Helps Terengganu to First Away Win

Abdul Manaf Mamat's first league goal of the season helped Terengganu registering their first away win in the 2013 Malaysian Super League at the expense of PKNS FC.

His wonderful strike in the 26th minute after receiving a pass from Ashaari Shamsuddin increased The Turtles's lead after Effa Owona had put them ahead just after eight minutes.

Owona's goal was courtesy of a mistake by a PKNS defender who in his attempt to clear the danger created by a stiff shot by Terengganu winger Khairul Ramadhan, diverted the ball into the striker's path.

There was no movement for Elavarasan's boys but they are now just five points of the new league leader, Darul Takzim despite occupying the ninth spot on the MSL table.

Darul Takzim left it late at the Hassan Yunos Stadium when they trailed bottom team, Negeri Sembilan after thirty minutes when veteran Rashid Mahmud had put The Deers ahead when his shot went through a sea of legs before beating the Darul Takzim goalkeeper.

With seven minutes left on the clock, much to the delight of the home supporters, Kamarul Afiq Kamaruddin put Darul Takzim on level terms with the visitors with a powerful header from a corner kick.

Then as Negeri Sembilan were thinking of going home with a hard fought point Nurul Azwan Roya secured all three points for Fandi Ahmad's charges with a long range shot in the second minute of added time that gave Hamsani Ahmad no chance at all.

In an earlier match, Lions XII were held to a goalless draw by Felda United in Petaling Jaya. Despite the result, the visitors moved to third place on goal difference above Selangor and Pahang.

The Settlers meanwhile still remained winless at home this season.


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Night of Draws

It was a night of draws in the Super League tonight as the two fixtures on the menu ended in stalemates.

The Armed Forces (ATM) whose title aspirations took a dent last Saturday with their 3-2 defeat to Terengganu in Kuala Terengganu could not find their way past another east coast side, Pahang.

The Elephants, whose title challenge also faltered in recent weeks have now gone four matches without a win. Their last success was the 3-0 east coast derby win against Terengganu in January.

In Kota Bharu, the home side Kelantan had to thank their foreign striker, Keita Mandjou whose late equaliser saved them the blushes as an early strike by striker, Abdul Hadi Yahya looked set to be the only goal of the match.

Meanwhile in the Premier League, Sime Darby continued their winning ways with a 2-0 win over UiTM FC. Strikes by Karlo Primorac and Goran Perak ensured The Planters remained on top with Sarawak hot on their heels.

The Crocs meanwhile registered a hard fought 1-0 win over Kuala Lumpur at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras. Ivan Babic scored the crucial goal that brought all three points back to Kuching in the 68th minute. His header from a Ramesh Lai cross gave the home side goalkeeper no chance at all.

Sabah made full use of their home advantage when they defeated Johor 3-2 at the Likas Stadium. Koh Traore continued his goal-scoring form with a brace in this match. Shahrul Azhar Ture's strike was sandwiched between Traore's two goals. Rashid Aya and Izuan Jarudin replied for the visitors.

Firza Rozali injury time strike was enough to give SPA FC a 1-0 win over POS Malaysia FC at the UiTM Stadium. The win saw SPA taking over sixth spot from POS Malaysia who now dropped to ninth in the Premier League standings.

Early pace-setters, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have now gone five matches without a win. In their latest match they fell 3-1 to a resurgent Perlis side who climbed into seventh spot in the table. PDRM remained in fifth but now with just three points separating them with the Northern Lions.

In another match, Betaria FC held Kedah to a goalless draw at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka.


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Saha's Double Put Terengganu in Quarters

Terengganu eased into the quarter final of the 2013 FA Cup competition after registering an easy win over Penang at the Bandaraya Stadium. A goal by Ashaari Shamsuddin just after three minutes put The Turtles on the right track.

However they have to wait until the hour mark before finding the net again. Ashaari who scored twice in the 3-2 win over the Armed Forced (ATM) on Saturday grabbed his second when he finished off a cutback from Abdul Manaf Mamat

It was his fifth goal in the last four matches. Another Terengganu player on a scoring streak was Khairul Ramadhan who scored with a stiff left foot shot in the 76th minute after embarking on a solo run from just inside the Penang half.

Waiting for Terengganu in the quarter finals are Negeri Sembilan who defeated POS Malaysia FC 2-0. Two first half goal from veterans Fauzi Nan and Abdul Rashid Mahmud were enough to see off the challenge from The Postmen.

Another Terengganu team, T-Team Titans failed to make use of their home advantage when facing last season runners-up, Sime Darby FC. Peter Butler's boys who have not won any matches in February were knocked out when Marzuki Yusof diverted the ball into his own net in his attempt to clear a Karlo Primorac low pass into the box.

Sime Darby will now square off with Pahang who had it easy against army outfit, Tentera Darat FC. The Elephants thrashed the FAM League side 7-1 with Azamuddin Akil scoring four goals.

Gopinathan Ramachandra, Mohamad Faizul and Mohamad Borji were the other Pahang goalscorers while Faizal Hamzah replied for Tentera Darat from the penalty spot.

Big spenders Darul Takzim FC looked set to be knocked out from the competition when two strikes from Khyril Muhymeen in the first half gave The Canaries a comfortable lead.

However, in Daniel Guiza the visitors have someone who could turn the match around and he did just that. His first goal in the 69th minute gave his team a fighting chance.

Then as the match entered the second minute of added time, Guiza's precision from a free-kick levelled the match to bring it into extra-time. There was no goal scored during the extra 30 minutes and the winner had to be decided on the lottery of penalties.

Every kick was converted until Kedah failed to convert their fifth penalty when Shazuan Ashraf blasted the ball over. Ironically, it was Guiza who stepped up to take the deciding penalty and he made no mistake to send Darul Takzim into the last eight.

They will now face Selangor who had eliminated Sabah in a match played a week earlier.

Sarawak who defeated PBAPP FC 2-0 in Kuching had to wait to know who will be their opponent in the quarter-final as the match between Kelantan and PKNS FC had to be postponed due to waterlogged pitch at the Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu.

Azizan Baba put The Crocs ahead just after the half hour mark before Bobby Gonzales put them further ahead in the 57th minute.


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Pahang Maintain Perfect Record

Pahang continued their good start to the season after registering their third successive win to lead the Super League table. Their hard fought 2-1 win over Negeri Sembilan at the Darul Makmur meant they remained as the only team with a perfect record this season.

Fauzi Rozlan continued his scoring form with a fine strike and Faizol Hussin gave the home fans some relief with the second goal. However an own goal by Hazri Razali meant they have to cope with the pressure from the away team who were seeking to take at least a point out of this match. The defeat saw the Deers remained at the bottom of the Super League table.

Directly above Negeri Sembilan were two Terengganu teams who suffered similar fate. Terengganu lost 2-1 at home to Selangor after early strikes from Kunanlan Suppiah and Amri Yahyah were enough for former Turtles head coach, Irfan Bakti to smile broadly on his return to his former team.

Former Negeri Sembilan striker, Effa Owona reduced the deficit just a minute after Amri's strike but The Turtles could not find their way past their former goalkeeper, Sharbinee Allawee again for the remainder of the match.

In Paroi, T-Team Titans could not continue their winning form against the Armed Forces (ATM), succumbing to a 3-0 defeat. After registering their first win of the season with the 1-0 win over Kelantan in the last round, they just could not cope with The Gladiators who scored through Shukor Adan, Rezal Zambery Yahya and Marlon Alex James.

In Kota Bahru, defending champions Kelantan took the lead against the star studded Darul Takzim FC through Norfarhan Mohamad but a fine strike by Daniel Guiza from a free-kick salvaged a point for the Southern Tigers.

At the Lumut Naval Stadium, Perak fell to their second defeat of the season when a strike by Azmizi Azmi was enough to see Felda United going home with all three points in their pocket. Meanwhile at the MBPJ Stadium, a solitary strike by Mohamad Faudzan Zulkifli was enough to inflict Lions XII first defeat of the season.

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Titans Win Against Kelantan

T-Team Titans claimed their first major scalp of the season when they inflicted the first defeat of the season to champions Kelantan at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu this afternoon. An eighth minute strike by full-back Mohamad Aizulridzwan was enough to seal Peter Butler's first competitive  win as the Titans head coach.

The goal came after Ahmad Syamim broke through on the left before delivering a low ball into the box. It reached Caleb Folan who in turn laid the ball into the path of Aizulridzwan who smashed it home past Khairul Fahmi in the Stags goal.

The Titans who were unlucky to lose against Perak in their opening match held on with former English Premier League player, George Boateng who was named captain, running the show. His experience clearly showed as he inspired his younger team-mates to register an important win.

The Armed Force (ATM) which suffered defeat in their opening Super League match against Lions XII on Wednesday, got back on the winning track. Marlon Alex James who wasted numerous goalscoring chances at Paroi; silenced his critics with a hat-trick against PKNS FC in the Gladiators 3-1 win.

The Lions meanwhile registered their second win of the season after a Fazrul Nawaz header in the 24th minute was enough to see off Selangor at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The striker escaped his markers to connect with Baihakki Khaizan's header from a corner.

Another Stalemate for Terengganu

Darul Takzim registered their first victory of the season after beating Perak at the Hassan Yunos Stadium in Johor Bahru. However, they have to work very hard and only managed to score the only goal of the match when Perak were down to nine men after Khairi Kiman and Mohamad Hisyamuddin were dismissed for second bookable offences in the last eight minutes of the first half.

When Aidil Zafuan headed home a Safiq Rahim's corner two minutes after the restart the home fans could be thinking that they were in for a goal-fest. Unfortunately for them the floodgates remained closed as the visitors closed ranks and at the final whistle had to be content with just a single goal.

In Paroi, Terengganu collected their second point of the season when they failed to break the deadlock against Negeri Sembilan. Both teams lacked ideas when going forward with both foreign strikers failed to have any positive impact on the match.

Negeri Sembilan's Emanuel De Porras had only one attempt on goal and was duly replaced by Firdauz Azizul in the second half. Effa Owona who was the top-scorer for The Deers last season put on a selfish display as he tried to grab the headlines on his return to his former hunting ground.

Earlier in the only afternoon kick-off in the Super League, Pahang struck at the death in their match against Felda United at the Petaling Jaya Stadium. As the match was heading towards a goal-less draw when Pahang Fauzi Rozlan ran onto a pass from the middle. The two goal hero against Darul Takzim then squared the ball for the running Mohamed Borji to slot into the net.

The Elephants second consecutive win saw them continue their stay at the top of the Super League table with the rest of the fixtures are going to be played tomorrow. 

The Premier League meanwhile had a full fixture tonight. The big winners were Sarawak who thrashed UiTM 5-0 in Kuching with their foreign player, Ivan Babic scoring between Bobby Gonzales' brace. Joseph Kalang Tie opened his goal account this season with a stiff grounder and Guy Bwele completing the scoring towards the end of the match.

Elsewhere there were gluts of goals as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) scored four goals against three time Malaysia Cup champions, Kuala Lumpur. The City Boys goalkeeper Azizon Abdul Kadir was taken off due to injury around the hour mark.

PDRM promptly took advantage of the home side goalkeeper, Phoo Kai Lun inexperience by scoring the first goal in the 64th minute through Khairul Amar Kassim. It seemed the strike going to be the only one in the match until Dzul Haikal Shamery added the second in the 83rd minute. The KL defence were breached again twice in the last few minutes of the match as Afif Amiruddin and Khairul Izuan Abdullah found the net.

Sime Darby found themselves trailing after fifteen minutes when Sabah took the lead through Koh Traore but levelled the score just before half-time when Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin found the net. Their foreign player, Karlo Primorac nudged them into the lead in the 57th minute before Bobby Chin wrapped things up eleven minutes later.


Johor United meanwhile struggled to find the net against Betaria at the Hang Tuah Stadium but in the end prevailed with two goals from Farid Ramli in the 67th minute before Muriel Orlando confirmed the three points six minutes from time.

Kedah who won their opening match against UiTM on Monday continued their winning start to their life in the lower tier. However they have to work hard against POS Malaysia at the Darul Aman Stadium before eventually getting all three.

The visitors had to play with ten men after their goalkeeper was sent off when he was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the penalty area. Despite the advantage in numbers, The Canaries had to rely on a penalty converted by Nelson San Martin to give the home fans something to cheer about.

In another match played at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Public Service Department (SPA) Putrajaya registered their first win of the season after defeating Perlis 4-2.


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Wasteful Marlon as ATM Lost

Charity Cup winner the Malaysian Armed Force (ATM) suffered defeat on their opening Super League fixture against the Lions XII at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi. The visitors' skipper, Shahril Ishak scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute, diverting the ball into the net after Muhammad Shakir Hamzah had cleverly pass it back into the goal area from a corner.

But it was a tale of missed chances as ATM striker, Marlon Alex James wasted a number of opportunities to score for his team. His profligacy in front of goal certainly would not go down well with his Head Coach, Sathiananthan Bashkran.

Contrasting fortune for ATM and Kelantan tonight

Meanwhile in Kota Bharu, defending champions Kelantan staged a comeback against PKNS after the visitors had taken the lead through Helmi Remeli in the 13th minutes who beat Khairul Fahmi in the home side's goal with a wonderful free-kick.

However the lead lasted just six minutes when Kelantan skipper, Mohamad Badhri Radzi found the net from outside the box on his second attempt after the first one had rebounded off the PKNS's bar. The visitors looked good for a point as the match entered stoppage time.

Then Zairul Fitri stepped up for The Stags when he diverted an Indra Putra's powerfully driven free-kick past Mohamad Remezey to send the home fans happy with all three points on board for Bojan Hodak's boys.


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Turtles Held on Opening Day

Terengganu began their 2013 Super Campaign with a draw after having to comeback from behind in their match against Felda United at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu today. Their new Head Coach, Elavarasan opted to use Wan Mohamad Azraie in goal instead of Syed Adney who did not make it the bench either.

In defence, new skipper Faizal Muhammad was paired with Cameroonian Vincent Bikina while Qhairul Anwar slotted into the right-back slot. Malaysian international Zubir Azmi played in his usual left-back position.

In the middle of the park, Ismail Faruqi was given the task as the playmaker while new signing, Khairan Ezuan operated as the holding midfileder. However it were the flanks where Elavarasan sprung his surprises as he put Ashaari Shamsuddin on the right while Nik Zul Aziz who had played as a left-back since joining The Turtles, was given the slot on the left flank.

The front-line was led by former Negeri Sembilan striker, Effa Owona with Farderin Kadir partnering him. The home side began brightly but they could not sustain the momentum. Felda United new signing, Mohamad Ghaddar was his side main threat with his pace and physical presence.

Indeed it was the Lebanese who opened the scoring in the 54th minute. Receiving the ball after Zubir's pass was intercepted, he embarked on a run past three Terengganu defenders before slotting the ball past Wan Azraie.

However the lead lasted only three minutes as the home side found their rhythm. Ashaari nearly could have scored when he received the ball from a corner but his effort was blocked by Felda United skipper Mohamad Khaironnisam.Then from the next corner, Ismail Faruqi levelled things up when his corner kick went straight into the net.

The home fans were hoping that their team would build on the goal to get all three points but the match petered down with the best chance fell to substitute Abdul Manaf Mamat whose shot was on target but only for Helmi Eliza to palm it away.

Later in the evening, big spending Darul Takzim went into an early two goal lead through Malaysian internationals, Safiq Rahim and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in their match against Pahang at The Darul Makmur. Daniel Guiza provided the final pass to both goals in the 11th and 25th minutes.

It looked good until The Elephants decided to stage a comeback after the interval. A brace from Fauzi Roslan in the 49th and 71st minutes delighted the home fans. Then seven minutes from time they were in raptures when Surendran Ravindran stole between two Darul Takzim defenders to divert a low cross from Azamuddin Akil into the visitors' net to ensure all three points stay in Kuantan.

At the Shah Alam Stadium, Negeri Sembilan suffered at the hands of their former player, Kunanlan Subramaniam who scored the only goal in the match between the two sides. The strike came in the 69th minute when the pacy player took advantage of the scramble in the visitors' penalty area.

Meanwhile at Lumut Naval Base Stadium, T-Team Titans were just moments away from getting a valuable point against Perak. However, their defender Mohamad Noraliff in his attempt to make a clearance, headed the ball into his own net to the disappointment of his manager, Peter Butler who later regarded the incident as part of the game.


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