Police beat Sabah to remain top of Premier League

Police remain top of the Premier League after left-back Sabre Mat Abu scored the only goal of the match three minutes after the break in a 1-0 win over Sabah at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.

Negri Sembilan moved into second place after beating Felda United 2-1 in Paroi thanks to goals by Jean-Emmanuel Owona with a free-kick in the 21st minute and S. Sivanesan (32nd) while Indra Putra Mahayuddin replied for Felda in the 68th.

Pahang move into joint top place in Premier League

Pahang caught up with Premier  League leaders Armed Forces (ATM) when they defeated club side Betaria of Negeri Sembilan 2-0 at the Temerloh Stadium Friday night.

The two teams now are sharing 26 points a piece, Pahang with an inferior goal difference, after 12 rounds of matches.

Azamuddin Mohd Akil scored the first goal in the 48th minute followed by  Mohd Azuan in the 77th minute.

ATM on the other hand were only able to carve out a 2-2 draw against Police at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.

Armed Forces draw with MP Muar but regain lead in Premier League

Armed  Forces (ATM) remained in the lead of the Premier League although they only managed a 2-2 draw against MP Muar at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar Friday.

Coach B. Sathianathan's soldiers are with 22 points after today's match, two  points more than nearest challengers Pahang.

At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi, Police played to a 1-1 draw against  Sime Darby with Patrick Ronaldinho putting Sime Darby ahead in the 2nd minute.

Elsewhere, USM FC edged Johor 2-1 at USM's Athletics Stadium in Penang,  NS Betaria edged Harimau Muda B 3-2 at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka (afternoon match) while at the Selayang Stadium, Pos Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw by Pahang.

Defending champions Terengganu thrash Police in FA Cup

Defending champions Terengganu sounded a clear warning that they intend to keep the FA Cup by thrashing Police 4-0 in the first round at the Sultan Ismail Stadium on Saturday night.

Strikers Abdul Manaf Mamat (two goals) and Abdul Hadi Yahya finally found the net this season after firing blanks in Super League action while in-form hitman Francis Forkey Doe completed the rout.

Coach Mat Zan Mat Aris said the big win was just the tonic his team needed to regain their confidence after a poor run of results in the league.

“The players, especially Manaf and Hadi, really needed this game to regain their scoring touch.

“I’m delighted as they worked hard throughout the game. It shows that we are almost back to our best,” he said.

The Turtles have stumbled in recent matches, losing 1-0 to Kelantan and drawing 1-1 with Kedah, but Mat Zan feels yesterday’s win is the turning point of their season.

“We could have scored more goals but I’m satisfied with the overall performance,” he said.

“The midfield, especially Ismail Faruqi, was outstanding, supplying the strikers with sublime passes all over the park,” he said.

Mat Zan was even more bullish as the Turtles had earned the big win despite the absence of their entire starting back-line. Muslim Ahmad and ZubirAzmi are with the national Under-23 pre-Olympic team while Faizal Muhammad and captain Marzuki Yusof are injured.

“The team showed great quality and fighting spirit… that is what is needed to win matches.

“We will definitely build on this to make a run for all the trophies available,” he said.

Mat Zan has already set his sights on the team’s second round opponents Perak, who beat them in the league.

“We will be looking for payback against Perak. Revenge will be sweet,” he said.

Terengganu, Kelantan and Selangor progress to next round in FA Cup

Defending champions Terengganu cruised into the second round of the FA Cup with a convincing 4-0 win over Police while their neighbours Kelantan had to dig deep into their reserves to edge Sarawak 2-1 yesterday.

At the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru, substitute Mohd Norfarhan Mohd – who replaced the ineffective Nigerian Onyekachi Nwoha – turned hero for the Red Warriors when  he scored the winner in stoppage time.

Mohd Azizan Baba stunned the hosts by firing Sarawak ahead in the 20th minute before Indra Putra Maha­­yuddin equalised in the 34th minute.

Kelantan coach Peter Butler said he was happy with his side’s performance after being given such a tough fight by Sarawak.

“The team played well but I would be happier if we scored more goals,” said Butler.

“In a knock-out competition, you can’t afford to underestimate your opponent.. they have nothing to lose.”

Kelantan will meet Kuala Lumpur in the second round on March 10. The City side defeated Muar MC 3-0.

Sarawak coach Robert Alberts said his players did not play to their full potential but praised his Cameroon signing Guy Bwele.

Sarawak should have won the match in the dying minutes but their Croatian striker Vedran Muratovic ballooned a sitter which eventually cost his side a famous win.

“I’m proud of my team’s performance despite the players not playing to their true potential. Kelantan have invested the most in players and should beat us,” said Alberts.

In Kuala Terengganu, Abdul Manaf Mamat hit a brace for the Turtles in the 38th and 65th minutes while Abdul Hadi Yahya (10th) and Francis Doe (80th) nailed one each.

The night’s upset saw the fall of Negri Sembilan to club side Johor FC 1-2 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.

Arthuro Bernhardt was the hero for Johor FC, scoring a brace in the 25th and 81st minutes while Jean-Emmanuel Owona replied for Negri in the 31st minute.

Johor FC will meet Selangor in the next round.

In Temerloh, Selangor skipper Mohd Amri Yahyah celebrated his 100th goal en route to the Red Giants’ 4-0 whitewash of FAM Cup side Shahzan Muda.

New signing Bosko Balaban scored in his second consecutive match in the 21st minute before Mohd Safiq Rahim netted a brace in the 65th and 72nd minutes.

Amri bagged his century in the 81st minute.

The match between Kedah and PKNS FC ended 1-1 after regulation and extra-time before the Canaries emerged 4-2 winners in a penalty shootout at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.

In Shah Alam, Singapore Lions downed Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) FC 3-0 at the UiTM Stadium.

Leftback Saiful Esah opened the scoring in the ninth minute before rightback Madhu Mohana doubled their lead in the 15th.

UiTM skipper Ahmad Shahril scored an own goal in the 85th minute to complete the rout.

Defending champions Terengganu desperate to beat Police in FA Cup

Terengganu will be without three key defenders when they open their FA Cup defence against Police at the Sultan Ismail Stadium tonight.

Muslim Ahmad and Zubir Azmi are with the national Under-23 pre-Olympic team while Faizal Muhammad is injured. But coach Mat Zan Mat Aris remains optimistic of getting a win.

“Captain Marzuki Yusof is also doubtful due to a hamstring injury but we will prevail,” said Mat Zan.

Has Mizan Kamaroddin will play at the heart of the defence while newcomer Hariri Mohd Safii will stand in for Zubir at leftback.

Mat Zan said a first-round win would revitalise his team after dismal displays in their last three Super League matches.

“The FA Cup is a do-or-die affair so we must beat Police. It would be embarrassing for the champions to bow out in the very first match,” he said.

Mat Zan urged the fans to turn out in full force to support the team.

“I want the fans to keep their faith as we face a stiff challenge to defend the FA Cup.”
Terengganu came from behind to edge Kelantan 2-1 in the final last season.

Armed Forces trounce Perlis to regain lead in Premier League

Armed Forces shot to the top of the Premier League after pulverising Perlis 4-0 at Stadium Utama in Kangar Friday night.

The result put the "Soldiers" with 15 points, two points ahead of Pahang, after six rounds of matches.

Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak opened the floodgates against the Northern Lions with the first goal in the 32nd minute and Hairuddin Omar capped of the night in style with a hattrick of goals, in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.

In an afternoon match, Sime Darby trounced USM FC 4-1 at the Selayang Stadium.

Sime Darby's goals were netted by Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh in the 4th and 65th minutes, Muhammad Zamri Hassan (30th) and Mohd Shoufiq Mohamad Kusaini (90th) while USM FC's consolation goal was contributed by Edrisar Kaye (56th).

At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bharu (MBJB) lost 0-3 to Pos Malaysia.

Pos Malaysia's goals were scored by Mohd Hanifuddin Abd Rahman in the 38th minute, Muhammad Fakhrul Aiman Sidid (42nd) and Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (75th).

Negeri Sembilan Betaria were tied 1-1 by Police at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka with Mohd Afiq Akmal Zunaidi and Mohd Amri Fazal Mat Nor scoring the goals respectively in the 66th and 70 minutes.

In another match, Harimau Muda B were held to a 2-2 draw by MP Muar at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.

Police beat Pahang to move into first place in Premier League

Police edged Pahang to lead the  Premier League after defeating Perlis 4-2 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi Friday night.

However, they have played five matches as compared to four by Pahang who take on Armed Forces on Feb 3.

Khairul Izuan Abdullah was the hero for Police tonight, scoring all four of their goals in the 24th, 27th, 55th and 87th minutes while Perlis' goals were netted by Mohd Rizal Mohd Ghazali (3rd minute) and Mohd Khairul Ramadhan Mohd Zawawi (17th minute).

MP Muar also had a good night defeating Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB FC) 5-2 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar.

Mohd Alafi Mahmud scored a brace for the hosts with his goals coming in the 51st and 71st minutes while their other goals were supplied by Mohamad Syaiful Sabtu (76th), Mohd Azuwad Mohd Arip (90th) and Abdul Rayjal Abdul Jalil (91st).

MBJB's goals were provided by Azmi Sarmin in the 9th minute (penalty) and 92nd minute.

At the Pasir Gudang Stadium, Johor edged Sime Darby FC 2-1 with the club side the first to score through their Liberian import Sengbah Kennedy in the 5th minute but Fahruzzahar Ali neutralised the advantage in the 13th minute before Mohd Hamzani Omar netted the winner in the 54th minute.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia FC (USM FC) had a comfortable 3-1 victory over Harimau Muda B at USM's athletics stadium in George Town with their goals coming through S. Veenod (36th, 60th) and Muhammad Faizad Ghazali (57th) while Mohd Norhamizaref Hamid scored the consolation goal for the visitors in the 7th minute.

However, Pos Malaysia were not so lucky. They lost 2-3 to Negeri Sembilan club side Betaria FC at the Selayang Stadium.

Pahang move up to first place after drawing with Perlis in Premier League

Though  Pahang recorded a 2-2 draw with Perlis at Stadium Utama in Kangar Friday night, it was good enough for them to take the lead in the Premier League.

Pahang's goals were scored by Mohd Hafiz Mohd Kamal in the 17th minute and Hazwan Mohd Daud (46th minute) while Perlis' import player Muhammad Lamin Conteh saved the homesters the blushes when he netted a brace with his goals coming in the 90th minute and a minute into injury time.

However, at the Selayang Stadium, the tie between Sime Darby and Armed Forces (ATM) had to be aborted towards the tail end of the first half because of a heavy downpour. The match, which stood goalless before being called off, has been postponed to Saturday.

At the Paroi Stadium in Negeri Sembilan, Police were tied 2-2 with Pos Malaysia with their goals supplied by Mohd Norzie Ibrahim (86th) and Khairul Izuan Abdullah (88th) while Pos Malaysia's by Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (50th) and G. Puaneswaran (54th).

At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, debutants Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) had to share points with visitors Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) FC after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Romhizat Jamian scored for the hosts in the 57th minute while USM FC's goal was netted by S.Veeno (73rd minute).

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Betaria who are also making their Premier League debut this season, lost 1-2 to Majlis Perbandaran (MP) Muar at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka.

R.Puganeswaran put MP Muar ahead in the 10th minute before Mohd Fauzi Abdul Kadar levelled for the opponents in the 58th minute. MP Muar's import player  Hilary Odada's goal in the 72nd minute proved to be the winner.

In a Klang Valley derby, Harimau Muda B were tied 1-1 with Johor at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Armed Forces maintain lead in Premier League after third win

Premier League leaders Armed Forces gunned down the Young Tigers (Harimau Muda B) 2-0 at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Stadium to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.

The win tonight was the third in as many matches for the army boys under the command of 'general' B. Sathianathan (coach) and helped them stay on top of the Premier League table although Pahang are breathing down their neck with identical points but inferior goal difference.

Former international and Negeri Sembilan ace striker Hairuddin Omar set the tone for the win with the first goal in the 71st minute while Christie Jayaselan made sure of all three points with the second goal in the 80th minute.

Pahang kept pace with the leader after coming from behind to beat Sime Darby 2-1 at the Perbandaran Temerloh Stadium with goals from Mohd Saiful Nizam Miswan (31st) and R. Gopinathan (66th min) after Muhd Zamri Hassan had given the visitors a 10th minute lead.

At the Mawar Field in Pasir Gudang, Johor, the home team went on a goal spree to beat Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bharu (MBJB) 5-0 with Mohd Fauzzi Mohd Kassim scoring a hattrick in the 42nd, 45th and 76th minutes while Muhd Fazly Mazlan and Ahmad Syamim Yahya scored two quick goals in the 57th and 58th minutes to ensure all three points.

At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar, Police scored a comfortable 3-0 victory over MP Muar with Mohd Amri Fazal Mat Nor opening accounts in the 55th minute while Mohd Fauzi Abdul Majid added a brace in the 69th and 85th minutes.

In Penang, USM FC scored a narrow 2-1 win over Betaria from Negeri Sembilan at the USM Athletic Stadium.

Meanwhile, Pos Malaysia and Perlis played to a 3-3 draw in a high scoring match at the Selayang Stadium.

Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur slip up while Terengganu and T-Team win again

PKNS ended Negri Sembilan's perfect record in the Malaysia Cup after producing a shock 2-0 win in Paroi to boost their own quarter-final hopes yesterday.

With FA Cup winners Terengganu also winning, all three teams are level on six points to leave Group B delicately poised with two rounds remaining.

Fauzan Dzulkfili stunned Negri four minutes after half-time before Norshisham Hassan made it 2-0 10 minutes later to avenge a 1-0 home defeat to Negri in the opening match.

Terengganu took advantage of Negri's slip-up with a 1-0 win over Sime Darby in Kuala Terengganu.
 

The home dominated proceedings in the first half as Terengganu, who had Ismail Faruqi Ashari and Joseph Kalang Tie cleared to play after picking up knocks in the 1-0 defeat to Negri Sembilan on Tuesday, took their time to breach the PKNS defence.

Ashaari Samsudin was quick to profit from chaos in the PKNS penalty box to score in the 34th minute.

Selangor's mission for a 33rd Malaysia Cup title remains in the balance after Kuala Terengganu T-Team scored twice in the last 10 minutes to escape with a 2-1 win from the Shah Alam Stadium.

Norfarhan Mohammad scored in the 81st minute with a header to draw T-Team level before Zairo Anuar Zailani rammed home the winner six minutes later with a trademark rocket free-kick as T-Team went top of Group D with nine points.

Captain Amri Yahyah had put Selangor in the lead in the 15th minute with a thundering grounder for his first goal of the Malaysia Cup.

KL dropped to second in the group when they were held 0-0 by Police, who claimed their first point of the competition, in Selayang although the city side increased their lead on Selangor to four points.

Fazrul Hazli Kadri was in the thick of action as he scored once, won a penalty and was then sent off in Perak's 2-1 win over Sabah in a Group A match in Ipoh.

His fourth-minute goal for Perak was cancelled three minutes later by Sabah's Shahrul Azhar Ture but Fazrul then won a penalty in first-half stoppage time which was converted by Failee Ghazli before ending his night early with a red card in the 69th minute.

Kedah kept their quarter-final hopes alive when Baddrol Bakhtiar scored a penalty five minutes from the end to earn 10-man Kedah a 3-3 draw with Johor in Alor Star.

After Khyril Muhymeen Zambri put Kedah ahead in the 30th minute, V. Thirumurugan was sent off eight minutes into the second half before Johor hit back through Noraslan Makhtar (65th) and Fauzi Nan's own goal (70th) to lead 2-1.

Khyril equalised in the 72nd minute only for Johor to regain the lead two minutes later Ashadi Yusoff before Baddrol ensured a share of the spoils with his spot-kick.

Kelantan, Felda United and Kuala Lumpur win again

Defending champions Kelantan fought back from a goal down to edge Johor FC 2-1 in a Group C Malaysia Cup match at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru yesterday.

Supersub Ramzul Zahini Adenan saved the blushes for the east coast side when he scored a late winner in the 88th minute.

Earlier, former international Eddie Helmi Abdul Manan gave the visitors an early goal in the 11th minute before an own goal by Johor FC defender Mohd Hamzani Omar in the 26th minute gave Kelantan a lifeline.

It was the Red Warriors’ second straight win after their 2-0 triumph over Sarawak in Kuching on Tuesday.

Felda United also chalked up their second win in the group after edging Sarawak 1-0 at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya, courtesy of a Nizam Abu Bakar goal in the 71st minute.

Meanwhile, surprise package Kuala Lumpur continued to make heads turn when they notched their second win by defeating T-Team 2-1 in a Group D match at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium.

Attacking midfielder Yong Kuong Yong was the toast for the City side when he scored a brace in the 28th and 49th minutes.

Norfazly Alias replied for the visitors in the 44th minute.

Kuala Lumpur, who defeated Police 3-0 in the opening match on Tuesday, top the group with six points.

In another Group D match, Mohd Fadli Saari scored in the 47th and 59th minutes to steer Selangor to a 2-0 win over Police at the Shah Alam Stadium.

The win was a huge relief for coach K. Devan after their opening defeat to T-Team (0-1) in Kuala Terengganu on Tuesday.

In Group A, Sabah stunned 10-man Kedah 2-1 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.

Zainizam Marjan put the Rhinos ahead in the 27th minute before K. Thanaraj doubled their lead in the 77th minute. The Canaries reduced the deficit with a last minute goal by Azmi Muslim.

Kedah were reduced to 10 men when Baddrol Bakhtiar was sent off in the 63rd minute.
In another Group A match, Perak defeated Johor 2-1 at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh.

Defending Champions Kelantan win in style but Selangor lose

Super League champions Kelantan and Terengganu earned crucial away victories while Selangor's miserable season continued on the opening day of the Malaysia Cup yesterday.

Kelantan, the top seeds in Group C, endured a tough time against Sarawak at a packed stadium in Kuching before scoring twice in the second half through national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (64th) and S. Chanturu (75th).

In another Group C match, Felda United earned a morale boosting 2-0 victory over a fumbling Johor FC at the JCorp Stadium.

Johor FC's poor finishing stood out like sore thumb in the first half as they were unable to take their chances well. Former international Farderin Kadir made it count for Felda with a header off a corner from Syazwan Zainon in the 44th minute before extending their lead in the 68th minute.
 

Terengganu, the former Malaysia Cup champions, were at their best in a 3-0 victory over Premier League side Sime Darby FC in a Group B match at the Selayang Stadium.

National player Joseph Kallang Tie and Reeshafiq Alwi were on target in the seventh and 35th minutes respectively in the first half. Former national Under-23 striker Manaf Mamat scored their third in the 82nd minute.

A 10-man Negri came from a goal down to edge Premier League champions PKNS FC 2-1 at the MBPJ Stadium. A mistake by Negri goalkeeper Farizal Marlias saw Mohd Norhafizuan Jailani giving PKNS the lead in the ninth minute but the visitors equalised seven minutes later through veteran Hairuddin Omar.

Negri, who controlled the rest of the half, took the lead when Shahurain Abu Samah rifled home a loose ball from the edge of the box in the 45th minute.

Negri keeper Farizal received a straight red from referee Zamzaidi Katiman for bringing down PKNS' Ashidi Dilashari in the 56th minute but the homesters failed to capitalise on their advantage.

In Group D, Kuala Lumpur were in devastating form as they notched a 3-0 victory over Police at the Paroi Stadium. An own goal by Azrul Azman handed KL a 1-0 lead in the 44th minute after Farid Ramli's shot from outside the box took a deflection off the Police centreback and looped over keeper Al-Husaini Ibrahim.

Police were reduced to 10 players after goalie Al-Husaini was red carded for bringing down Yong Kuong Yong in the box. Badrul Hisyam Azmi sent substitute keeper Hamdan Sairi the wrong way from the spot in the 64th minute before Kuong Yong extended their lead 12 minutes later.

Selangor's wretched season continued when they were edged by T-Team 1-0 in Kuala Terengganu. Norfazly Alias' close range effort, off a corner kick from Zairo Anuar Zailani in the 72nd minute earned T-Team their third straight victory over the former Super League champions.

Selangor dominated play after 20 minutes of the match but poor finishing due to a toothless strikeforce denied them from scoring.

Kedah topped Group A after securing a 2-0 victory over Premier League side Johor while in another match, Sabah and Perak drew 0-0.

Kedah's Khyril Muhymeen scored the goal of the season with a superb solo effort in the seventh minute. The national player outwitted two Johor defenders before rounding keeper Syamim Othman to tap home the ball before adding his second 10 minutes from time.

Kelantan, Felda United and Kuala Lumpur get impressive wins in Malaysia Cup

Defending champions Kelantan began their Malaysia Cup title defence in style – turning on the heat in the second half to beat Premier League side Sarawak 2-0 in a Group C match at the State Stadium in Kuching last night.

The Red Warriors got their goals through hotshot Norshahrul Idlan Talaha in the 64th minute and attacking midfielder S. Chanturu in the 79th minute.

Sarawak did well to to hold the competition favourites to a goalless draw in the first-half before finally succumbing to Kelantan relentless pressure towards the end.

The Red Warriors fielded their best line-up. The only one missing was goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, who is in centralised training with the national Under-23 squad preparing for the Asian Zone final round Olympic qualifying match against Japan in Fukuoka on Sept 21.

Sarawak, who have won promotion to the Super League next season, have always been a tough nut to crack at home and that was exactly what Kelantan discovered yesterday.

In another Group Cmatch, Felda United got off to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Johor FC at the JCorp Stadium in Pasir Gudang.

Former international Farderin Kadir was the toast for Felda when he scored in the 44th and 66th minutes.

 Meanwhile, 32-time champions Selangor again fell to bogey team T-Team – losing 0-1 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu in a Group D match.

Norfazly Alias scored the only goal of the match in the 73rd minute to hand Selangor their third straight defeat at the hands of the Terengganu club side.

T-Team had also beaten the Red Giants twice in the Super League.

Selangor are under tremendous pressure to win the Malaysia Cup after failing to land a silverware this season.

K. Devan’s men were barely a threat in the first-half, with skipper Mohd Amri Yahyah hardly getting a chance in front of goal.

It is clear that the Red Giants sorely missed the services of hotshot Mohd Safee Sali, who joined Indonesian club side Pelita Jaya early this season.

The Selangor defence was caught napping in the 73rd minute when Norfazly, left unmarked inside the box, cooly slotted the ball past helpless Selangor goalkeeper G. Jeevanathan.

In the other Group D match, Kuala Lumpur thrashed Police 3-0 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.

Police hoping to cause upsets in Malaysia Cup

After being written off as no-hopers at the start of the season, Police silenced their critics by qualifying for the Malaysia Cup on merit after finishing third in the Premier League. With a side largely made up of police personnel, coach K. Thayanathan's squad finished strongly and will be out to act as spoilers against more established teams in Group D.

Police open their campaign against Kuala Lumpur in Paroi on Tuesday and Thayanathan is relishing the prospect of his side causing an upset or two against Super League sides KL, Selangor and Kuala Terengganu T-Team.

"We surprised a few people with the run we had this season and we beat teams which spent a lot of money like Sime Darby and Armed Forces. Not many expected us to qualify for the Malaysia Cup, nobody gave us a chance but we qualified on merit, unlike the last few times when we were pre-qualified.
"But this Malaysia Cup is going to be tough. We will go into each match and fight to the best of our abilities and see what happens," said Thaiyanathan, who is into his fifth year as Police coach.

Police only have three contract players in Fazuan Abdullah, N. K. Dhurai and Afif Amiruddin, and of the trio Fazuan has carried the goalscoring burden with nine goals along with Khairul Izuan Abdullah (11).

Thaiyanathan declined to bring in players on loan for the tournament given the limited financial resources of the Police FA but he argued that there are few quality players from non-Malaysia Cup teams for him to sign anyway.

"We have three contract players and the rest are all from the force. We have qualified for the Malaysia Cup with these players and we will continue with them. I did not see any player from other teams who interested me."

Police will be making their fifth appearance in the Malaysia Cup, but only the second time on merit, having achieved their best result in 2008 when they reached the quarter-finals only to go out to Selangor on the away goals rule.

Police relies on tactical play to get results

Police coach K. Thaiyananthan says his side have exceeded expectations by qualifying for the upcoming Malaysia Cup.

And he attributes tactical play for their good outing in the Premier League instead of individual talent.

However, he conceded that his charges lacked the edge that the likes of PKNS, Armed Forces and Sime Darby possessed.

More often than not, they had to play to the strength of opponents and not their own.

"But I have to credit the players. It was all hard work and commitment. Their collective approach to the game served us well," said Thaiyananthan.

"We do not have the substance as most of our players are from the police force. But what they did possess is good fitness levels and we used that to our benefit."

Police were the only team in the league to play five defenders throughout the season.

They had to compromise in attack and play conservatively to have a chance of walking away with points.

According to Thaiyananthan, the management of the side never laid down any expectations due to the quality of players they had but he had a pep talk with the players at the beginning of the season.

"I told them we've been playing in the Premier League for several seasons but had not achieved anything. It is not about gaining promotion to the Super League but they should achieve something for themselves instead of not progressing as players.

"The Malaysia Cup qualification was something we came to the consensus," said Thaiyananthan.

Police had been grouped together with favourites Selangor, T-Team and KL in Group D.

Police facing tough hurdles in Malaysia Cup

Long-serving Police coach K. Thaiyanathan feels the team’s qualification for the Malaysia Cup competition is an achievement by itself.

The 57-year-old seasoned campaigner with only three civilians in the squad has done well to qualify on merit for the 16-team Malaysia Cup competition. The top 12 Super League teams and the top four in the Premier League qualify for the competition.

Police finished third in the Premier League behind champions PKNS FC and runners-up Sarawak.

“We did not get promoted to the Super League but we take pride if making it for the Malaysia Cup on merit for the first time,” said Thaiyanathan yesterday.

In previous competitions, all the affiliates, including Police and Armed Forces qualify for the Malaysia Cup competition.

“We know our strength and it will not be easy in the Malaysia Cup,” said Thaiyanathan, whose boys have been drawn in Group D with fancied Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and T-Team.

The three civilians in the team are skipper Mohd Hafiz Amiruddin, Fazuan Abdullah and D.K. Dhurai.

The mainstays of the Police team are strikers Fauzi Majid and top scorer Khairul Izuan Abdullah who has nine goals to his credit.

Thaiyanathan has been with the Police team for 23 years. and has worked under Chow Kwai Lam, Rahim Abdullah, Bawandi Hiralal and Ken Morten before becoming the chief coach in 2002.

The police sergeant won promotion from the FAM Cup in 2002. And his biggest achievement was winning the Premier League title in 2007.