MOE League Cup : Terengganu and Kedah emerge champions

SMK Bukit Nenas of Terengganu celebrated a rare double when they won the Under-14 Minister of Education League Cup (MELC) to add to their Charity Shield triumph at the beginning of the season.

But they nearly didn't make it as SMK Bukit Nenas had to come from a goal down in the first half to edge SMK Seri Kota of Malacca 2-1 in the final at the Langkawi Sports Complex yesterday.

"I believe that this is the first time that a team have won the double. We showed that the young players from Terengganu can emulate the success of the senior state team," said Zainuddin Md Zain, the coach of SMK Bukit Nenas.

"After trailing by a goal, I told the players that they have nothing to lose and that they should go all out to make sure that they come back with the crown this time round after losing in the final last year."

In spite of the early pressure, SMK Seri Kota took the lead in the 17th minute when Muhammad Haziq Iskandar Khalid slammed home from close range.

But the concession of a penalty six minutes into the second half allowed SMK Bukit Nenas to draw level after captain Muhammad Aqil Irfanuddin Mohd Sabri sent SMK Seri Kota goalkeeper Muhammad Khairil Zol the wrong way. With four minutes remaining, Mohd Zarulizwan Mazlan nailed the winner.

It was good to be in the final and even though we lost, I felt that the best team won on the day," said Mohd Faimi Abu, the chief coach of SMK Seri Kota.

In the Under-17 Ministry of Education Youth League, defending champions SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah had to fight tooth and nail before prevailing over SMK Syed Hassan of Perlis 2-1 in extra time.

SMK Tunku Anum scored twice in extra time to win their second crown in two years after both sides were level 0-0 after full time.