THERE will be a new Razak Cup Division One champion in the 50th Edition, after Pahang and Terengganu upset the form-book at the Kuantan Stadium yesterday.
Both the finalists have never lifted the Razak Cup trophy before, and their encounter today is expected to be an explosive affair.
Terengganu beat Kuala Lumpur 2-1, while Pahang beat Negri Sembilan 3-2 in the semi-finals yesterday.
And Terengganu badly want to win the silverware, and make a point to state that not only soccer deserve the attention, and funding.
“We are very excited to play for our first Razak Cup title, as the wait has been simply too long. My players are all eager to lay their hands on the silverware, as we want to prove to the state government that not only soccer deserves a huge funding and attention, but hockey needs it to produce more results in the future” said Terengganu coach Nik Rozemi Nik Mohamed.
It was sweet revenge for Terengganu, as they lost to Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the semi-finals last year.
As for Pahang coach, Izwan Suhardi, he feels Terengganu hold the upper-hand as he has a long list of injured players.
“My defender (Radzi Ismail) fractured his hand and is out of the final. Also, five other players are carrying one injury or another and it would be a difficult final for us,” said Izwan.
Both finalists are from Group B, and Pahang won the tensed group encounter 5-3. The match was stopped for several minutes after Terengganu staged a walkout in protest of a decision by the umpire.
Terengganu took the lead of the country’s top striker faizal Saari in the 30th minute off a a penalty corner attempt but KL equalised in the 50th minute off Mohamed Yazid.
Then came the turn of Faizal younger brother Fitri to score in the 60th minute to shut the door on defending champions KL.
As for Pahang, their goals came from hairul Nizam (25th, 65th) and Mohamed Sybrie (52nd). The Negri goals were scored by S. Kuhan in the 11th, and 70th minutes.
RESULTS: Division One -- Semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur 1 Terengganu 2 (5pm), Pahang 3 Negri Sembilan 2 (5pm).
TODAY: Division One Final: Pahang v Terengganu (8.30pm); Third-Fourth: Kuala Lumpur v Negri Sembilan (4pm).
Division Two Final: Selangor v Malacca (6pm).
