At A Critical Point

Double celebration for Kedah

0 Comments | New Straits Times, Jul 27, 2010

KEDAH won the third Minister of Education League Cup (MELC) when they beat Terengganu 3-2 in the Under-14 final at the Stadium Darul Aman on Sunday.

The northern team’s win in the highly-competitive school league system follows that of Selangor in 2008 and Bandar Penawar Sports School last year.

Terengganu took the lead in the 18th minute when Muhd Akram Asidi capitalised on some hesitant Kedah defending to slot home the ball.

The hosts, to their credit, kept their cool and were soon rewarded with an equaliser when Muhd Ariff Farhan Mohd Isa found the back of the net in the 35th minute.

Kedah stepped on the gas after the break and Muhd Fitri Che Hassan got a quick double scoring in the 45th and 47th minutes.

Terengganu fought back gallantly and reduced the deficit with Muhd Akram scoring again in the last minute of play.

“I did not want the boys to take too long finding an equaliser and today (Sunday), they showed a high level of commitment playing as a team,” said Kedah coach Basirul Abu Bakar.

Terengganu, though disappointed, kept their faith and will be looking to make the final again next year and go one better and lift the crown.

“Kedah deserved to win because they were better organised. Our ball positioning was weak compared to Kedah. We tried our best but we were just not good enough especially when playing under pressure,” said Terengganu coach Zainudin Mohd Zain.

“We want to make the final again next year and with new players, I hope we can win the title.”

Kedah made it a double when they also won Under-17 league crown, beating Pahang 2-1 in the final.

RESULTS (both finals) – Under-14: Kedah 3 Terengganu 2; Under- 17: Kedah 2 Pahang 1.