Johor FC knocks out Selangor while Singapore and Kelantan progress in FA Cup

Johor FC knocked out five-time champions Selangor in the second round of the FA Cup after winning a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout 5-4 at the Pasir Gudang Stadium last night.

The Red Giants only have themselves to blame after they squandered a 2-0 lead to allow the club side, who were reduced to 10-man, to bounce back. Former international Azi Shahril Azmi was sent off after only 17 minutes for a reckless tackle on Selangor’s Azidan Saruddin.

The match ended 2-2 in regulation time and both sides failed to break the deadlock in extra-time.

Goalkeeper Mohd Anis Faron Ahmad was the toast of Johor FC when he blocked K. Solihin’s spot-kick during the sudden-death shoot-out.

Mohd Zamri Chin converted the winning penalty for Johor FC, who face Premier League side Sime Darby FC in the quarter-finals.

Selangor went ahead through goals from Azidan Saruddin (30th) and Mohd Asraruddin Putra (56th).

Fauzi Shaari (59th) and Arthuro Bernhardt (66th) replied for Johor FC. 

In the shoot-out Mohd Reduan M’aon and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal missed for Johor FC and Selangor respectively.

Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin was on target as Terengganu’s edged Perak 1-0 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium. 

The national midfielder scored with a well-executed volley from the top of the box on the stroke of half-time. 

Ashaari could have doubled the lead in the 54th minute but his powerful shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Mohd Nasril Nourdin.

Young Terengganu custodian Mohd Sharmiza, standing in for the injured Sharbinee Alawee Ramli, impressed with some oustanding saves from Perak striker Akmal Rizal Rakli.

The win was sweet revenge for Turtles as they lost to Perak in the Super League earlier this season. 

Terengganu face Lions XII in the last eight.

In an earlier match, Singapore Lions XII eliminated NS Betaria FC 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium. 

Skipper Shahril Ishak drew first blood in the 55th minute before young striker Sufian Anuar added the second in the 84th to set up a quarter-final date with Terengganu.

In Kota Baru, Kelantan laboured to a 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium.

Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (30th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (42nd) and Mohd Badri Radzi (65) scored for the Red Warriors while KL replied through Mohd Afiq Azmi (37th) and Fazuan Abdullah (90th).

Kelantan face KL SPA in the quarter-finals. The FAM Cup side defeated Preah Khan Reach of Cambodia 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Mohd Zulkifli Affendi nailed the winner in the 52nd minute.

In other matches, Sime Darby FC’s beat USM FC 2-0 at the USM Stadium while Kedah edged Perlis 3-2 in Alor Setar.

Terengganu, Johor FC and Kedah progress to quarter finals of FA Cup

Defending champion Terengganu moved into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup after beating high riding Perak 1-0 at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in a pulsating match while Selangor were shown the exit by Johor FC at the Pasir Gudang Stadium in Johor.

Selangor and Johor FC which is coached by former Selangor coach K. Devan were tied 2-2 in regulation and extra time, forcing the outcome to be decided by a penalty shootout which was eventually won by Johor FC 5-4.

Terengganu joins another side from the state, T-Team who beat Pahang 3-2 yesterday to become the first team to make the quarterfinals.

In Alor Setar, Kedah put their poor Super League form aside to book their quarterfinal berth after a 3-2 victory over Perlis in an exciting match at the Darul Aman Stadium.

Pahang move into top of table in Premier League

Pahang went top of the  Premier League after beating MP Muar 5-1 in a match at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Temerloh Friday night.

The win pushed Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) down to second in the standing.
In another match, NS Betaria beat Johor MBJB 3-2 at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, Muar.

Table proppers Perlis only managed one point after drawing 3-3 with Johor at Stadium Utama Negeri, Kangar.

Sime Darby drew 1-1 with Pos Malaysia in a match at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang.

Armed Forces coach not happy despite big win in Premier League

Armed Forces coach B. Sathianathan was furious with his side's lackadaisical performance despite a 4-0 victory over Perlis in a Premier League match in Kangar on Friday.

Sathianathan fielded an all-local side, resting  foreign duo,  Marlon Alex James and Bruno Sebastian Marteloto, who both have been playing non-stop since the start of the league.

"We came here and expectedly earned three points. But it is not an achievement as I knew we would beat Perlis easily," said Sathianathan.

"My players only performed well in patches. They need to work harder to improve. I did not like our performance today (Friday)."

"They took things lightly and I fear they would become complacent as the league progresses."

Sathianathan has been unhappy with his team's form since the start of the league and his fears were confirmed when they lost 2-1 to Sime Darby FC last month.

Forces, however, did recover from that defeat and presently lead the standings with 15 points from six matches, two points more than second-placed Pahang.

Veteran striker Hairuddin Omar was in his element on Friday, scoring a hat-trick in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.

Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak was also on target in the 32nd minute.

"As we were sure of winning here, I gave James and Marteloto a break as I want them fresh for the tough match against Johor on Monday (tomorrow)," added Sathianathan.

Meanwhile, Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh's brace earned Sime Darby FC a 4-1 win over USM FC in Selayang.

The Liberian striker scored in the fourth and 65th while Mohd Zamri Hassan and Mohd Shoufiq Mohd Kusaini completed the rout in the 30th and 90th minutes. Edrisar Kaye replied for USM in the 56th minute.

In other matches, Pos Malaysia thrashed Johor Bharu City Council 3-0 while Young Tigers B were held 2-2 by MP Muar.

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.

Perlis state government gives financial help to team

The Perlis state government contributed RM300,000 to the Perlis FA yesterday to pay the salaries of players for two months.

The cheque was handed to PFA deputy president Azahar Ahmad by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu at the Menteri Besar's office in Kangar.

"This is the third time the state government is providing cash assistance to the PFA so as to ease its burden," said Dr Md Isa. 

He said the first contribution was RM558,000 while the second involved a payment of RM150,000.

Azahar, who is also the Perlis team manager, said the contribution would help ease PFA's  financial burden as it spends about RM150,000 a month on wages for players and officials.

Perlis, now playing in the Premier League, have yet to score a win in the five matches played thus far.

Azahar said  Perlis, who   have Lamin Conteh from Sierra Leone in their ranks, are looking to sign his compatriot  Henry Liounes  to beef up the squad.

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.

Perlis sends report on bribery allegations to FAM

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has received a report from the Perlis Football Association (PFA) on alleged match-fixing by players in Perlis' Super League team.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said a PFA official handed over the report to FAM officials at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya late Thursday.

"We will study the report first before making any decision on the issue. However, I cannot disclose the contents of the report," he said when contacted by Bernama Friday.

He said FAM's executive council would be study the report first before updating the media on its next course of action.

He added that FAM had given yesterday as the deadline for PFA to furnish the report.

Thursday, PFA president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim had revealed that nine players were involving in fixing the outcome of Perlis' opening Super League match against Muar FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Jan 9. The heavyweights lost 2-7 to the club side in that match.

Perlis FA wants bribery allegations investigated

Perlis Football Association President Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim wants the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to carry out a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery in football to safeguard the image of the nation.

Shahidan said allegations that Perlis players were involved in football bribery needs to be looked at from a whole perspective instead of just one case.

He told reporters here today that he believed bribery in football was not just restricted to any one team or association because it involves bookies.

Shahidan who is also the former Perlis Menteri Besar said if allegations that Perlis players were involved in fixing matches as alleged, they should be punished accordingly.

"Not only the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) but the FAM must also look at the prospect of more teams involved in the scandal," he said.

Shahidan said the Perlis FA was ashamed of the 2-7 defeat to MP Muar in their Premier League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar on Jan 9.

The result would naturally raise concern and suspicion, as such the possibility of bookies being involved cannot be ruled out.

Last Saturday, a Perlis player was hauled up by the MACC to give his statement by statements were also recorded from Perlis FA officials.

He said sources had claimed that there could be up to nine players involved in the scandal.

Meanwhile, Perlis FA deputy president Azhar Ahmad said show cause letters had been issued to a number of players.

Azhar said a Perlis player was reported to have been offered a huge incentive to fix matches this season but the offer was turned down by the player.

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.

Perlis win Under-12 football tournament on penaty shootout

Dark horses Perlis beat Kelantan 4-3 on sudden death penalties to win the inaugural Champion of Champions Under-12 football tournament at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar on Sunday.

Kelantan striker Ahmad Tasnim Nasir’s failure to score the first sudden death penalty proved costly as Perlis’ Muhammad Akmal Salleh then converted his spotkick to secure the trophy for the northern state.

The final went into a shootout after both teams failed to score any goals during the regulation period. In the shootout, Perlis and Kelantan were tied 3-3 after failing to convert two penalties apiece from the five spotkicks awarded. 

Champions Perlis took home RM10,000, while runners-up Kelantan walked away with RM7,500.

Early favourites Kedah gained some consolation after defeating Penang 2-0 in the third placing playoff. Kedah went home with RM5,000 for their efforts while Penang received RM2,500.

The eight-team Champion of Champions tournament was organised by the National Football Development Committee, which was formed by the government under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, the National Sports Council (NSC) and the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

Prior to the eight-team Champion of Champions Finals in Muar, a qualifying tournament comprising 14 teams was held in Perak.

Perlis beat Kelantan to win Champion of Champions inter school tournament

Perlis won the inaugural Champion of Champions football tournament when they held their nerve to beat Kelantan 4-3 on sudden death penalties in the final at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.

The score at the end of the regulatory 60 minutes was 0-0 and it was 3-3 at the end of the five penalty shootouts.

The first attempt at goal in sudden death fell to Kelantan but striker Ahmad Tasnim Nasir shot straight to Perlis keeper Shahzwan Shafri instead.

Perlis' Muhammad Akmal Salleh the stepped up to send the ball to the right of the goal well beyond the reach of Kelantan custodian Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani.

Perlis coach Mohd Shahabuddin Kadir said: "The game was very close and when it came down to penalties, it was really anybody's title."

With the rain showing no relief since Saturday night, the quality of the game yesterday was affected as neither team could display their hard running short passing game.

The usually nippy Kelantan winger Wan Alif Aiman Rosmaidi rarely got the ball into the Perlis box where at the end of the first half, striker Muhammad Syaiful Alias only got one shot in which was saved by Shazwan.

The win for Perlis saw them bagging RM10,000 while Kelantan walked off with RM7,500.

Kedah scored some consolation when they won third place after beating Penang 2-0 in the game that was played earlier in the morning.

Kedah's goals were scored by Faez Faizal Nor in the 37th minute and Mohd Izwan Ghazali four minutes later. Kedah bagged RM5,000 while Penang  took home RM2,500.

The Champion of Champions is supported by the National Football Development Committee, which is chaired by Datuk Razali Ibrahim, the deputy Sports Minister.

Kedah-Malacca and Pahang-Perlis to face in semi finals of Sultan Gold Cup

Last year's losing finalist,  Kedah, assisted by six Super League players, are confident of making up for last year's disappointment by winning the Sultan's Gold Cup this year.

Kedah who lost to Kelantan in a penalty shootout last year, moved into the semifinals of the Sultan's Gold Cup and will face Melaka at the Darul Aman Stadium on Saturday.

The six Super League players in the side are Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar, Mohd Fazliata Taib, Hattaphon Bun An, Wan Mohd Asraf Wan Ali, Mohd Sany Mat Isa and Mohd Muhaimin Mohamad.

Kedah coach Mohamad Ramlee said the presence of the six players in a team made up of mostly President's Cup players, would help strengthen the side to go all the way to the final.

"So far, the physical and mental condition of the players is at the optimum level and I have no serious injury problems," he said when met at the Kedah branch office of the Malaysian Malays Football Association here today.

In the quarterfinals last week, Kedah beat Penang 2-0 at the City Stadium in Penang while Melaka overcame Selangor 2-0 for a 5-1 aggregate win at the Hang Tuah Stadium here.

The other semifinal will be contested between Pahang and Perlis who beat Police (2-0) and Malaysian Universities Sports Council (MASUM) 3-0, respectively.

Perlis midfielder Mohd Faiz wanted by 5 clubs

Perlis midfielder Mohd Faiz Subri is now truly spoilt for choice.

 

A month ago, the 24-year-old thought he would have a quiet end to the season after his team finished up bottom of the Super League and missed the cut for the Malaysia Cup.

But it looks like the Kedah-born player will, after all, be playing in the country's oldest and most prestigious Cup competition, albeit for a different team as he is now being courted by at least five sides.

Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu and T-Team have all expressed interest to have him as their on-loan signing.

 

"I was born in Air Hitam, Kedah, and by right I should be donning the green-and-yellow jersey during the Malaysia Cup campaign, but, after a disappointing league run, I want to end the season on a high and Terengganu are the likeliest team to attain success," said Faiz.

Perlis assistant coach Azamri Zali said Faiz's teammate Azmizi Azmi has decided to play for Kedah in the Malaysia Cup.

"I know both players well and unlike Azmizi, Faiz is not too keen to play for his home state at the moment. I have a feeling he will choose T-Team of Terengganu," said Azamri.

Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti said Mohd Faiz and Pahang midfielder Azzamuddin Akil are his team's only two prospective on-loan signings.

"We hope both players will be able to play for us but with or without them, Terengganu are equipped to challenge for honours in the Malaysia Cup," he said.

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.

MOE League Cup : Terengganu-Malacca and Kedah-Perlis in the Finals

Terengganu will face Malacca in the Under-14 category while Kedah will meet Perlis in the Under-17 category of Minister of Education League Cup (MELC) finals.

SMK Bukit Nenas of Terengganu will face Malacca's SMK Seri Kota in the final of the Under-14 Minister of Education League Cup (MELC) on July 26.

SMK Bukit Nenas, losing finalists last year, upstaged defending champions SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah 2-0 in Alor Star in the first leg semi-final and 1-0 at home in the second leg.
Mohd Zalanie Zakaria scored the only goal of the second leg in the 66th minute.

"Playing against Tunku Anum was quite stressful. We knew anything could happen, so we did not pressure the players too much," said SMK Tunku Anum team manager, Norizan Mohamed.

In the other semi-final, SMK Seri Kota came from a goal deficit in the first leg to beat SMK Seberang Temerloh of Pahang 4-0.
The scorers for the Malacca side were P. Yugan (7th minute), Muhammad Haziq Iskandar Khalid (18th), Muhammad Hazim Razali (52nd) and Muhammad Najmuddin Samat (70th).

"The players showed good discipline and they worked hard," said SMK Seri Kota coach Mohd Faimi Abu.

In the Under-17 Ministry of Education Youth League, SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah reached the final after beating SMK Seberang Temerloh of Pahang 5-4 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1. Khairun Annas Ibrahim (87th minute) cancelled out SMK Seberang Temerloh's 47th minute strike through Mohd Rafani Wahab. The score in the first leg in Alor Star was 1-1.

SMK Tunku Anum's opponents in the final will be SMK Syed Hassan of Perlis.

After losing 2-0 at home last week, SMK Syed Hassan powered to beat SMK Mutiara Impian of Penang 5-2 with goals from Mohamad Safiuddin Md Salim (4th, 75th minute), Alif Che Zahir (42nd) and Mohamad Syafiq Azmi (47th, 75th).
The scorers for SMK Mutiara Impian were Amirul Syazani Roslan (17th) and Muhamad Faizat Mohamad Ghazli (40th).

MOE League Cup : Defending champions beaten

A BRACE from striker Solahudin Mahmud gave SMK Bukit Nenas of Terengganu a well deserved 2-0 win over defending champions SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah in the Under-14 Minister of Education League Cup (MELC) first leg semi-finals last Saturday.

In the match that was played in Alor Star, the home team started brightly but it was Solahudin who gave the lead to the east coast team with a close range effort in the 11th minute.

And with just four minutes left of the first half, Solahudin was again on target to give SMK Bukit Nenas a psychological advantage for the return tie in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.

"We played very well and we are really proud of the boys," said Zainuddin Mohd Zain, the chief coach of SMK Bukit Nenas.

"We have taken a big step for a place in the final this year, so we just have to make sure that we play as well in the return tie.

"We lost to Kedah in the final last year, so we have a good chance of returning that favour this time round."

Incidentally, SMK Tunku Anum had also lost the Charity Shield to SMK Bukit Nenas at the start of the 2011 season.

Kedah were not at all disappointed with the defeat at home as they were confident that they would overcome the deficit in the return tie.

"We are believers in the adage that 'in football anything can happen'. Both teams are equal in terms of strength and I believe that we have a decent shot for the return tie," said Basirul Abu Bakar, the coach of SMK Tunku Anum.

"Our defence was a little off and we only have ourselves to blame for the loss. But we told the players that they must learn from this defeat.

"In Terengganu, we will be attacking all the way. We must win to qualify for the final and defend the crown we won last year."

In the other semi-final, SMK Seberang Temerloh of Pahang carved out a 1-0 advantage at home over SMK Seri Kota of Malacca.

The only goal of the game came off Mohamad Abdullah in the 33rd minute of play.

In the first leg semi-finals of the Under-17 Ministry of Education Youth League, SMK Tunku Anum of Kedah were denied a win at home when they were held 1-1 by SMK Seberang Temerloh of Pahang.

In the other semi-final, SMK Syed Hassan of Perlis failed to take advantage of playing at home when they went down 2-0 to SMK Mutiara Impian of Penang.