KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor selection claimed the Sultan of Selangor’s Cup (TSSC) tournament title for the third consecutive time, edging out the Singapore selection 2-1 at the historic Merdeka Stadium last night.
This victory marked a TSSC hat-trick for Selangor, following their wins in the 2018 and 2019 editions – bringing the Red Giants’ total tournament victories to 10 since the competition began in 2001.
In the first half, the Red Giants started aggressively, nearly scoring as early as the third minute when Muhammad Alif Izwan Yuslan’s strike was saved by Singapore’s goalkeeper Muhammad Syazwan Buhari.
Selangor continued to launch dangerous attacks, but Singapore’s solid defence thwarted Nidzam Jamil’s squad from finding the back of the net, leading to a goalless first half.
After the break, the home team appeared more determined and thought they had broken the deadlock when Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri struck the ball into the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside.
Selangor finally opened the scoring through striker Ronnie Fernandez, who skillfully dribbled past the Singaporean defence before calmly slotting the ball home and thrilling approximately 20,000 spectators at the stadium.
However, the Red Giants’ lead was short-lived as Singapore equalised in the 87th minute with a header from Muhammad Faris Ramli. Selangor quickly responded, reclaiming their lead three minutes later with a well-placed free-kick by Alvin Fortez.
The match ended 2-1 in favour of Selangor.
Meanwhile, the Selangor veterans team also put on an impressive performance, reclaiming their title after defeating Singapore 2-1.
Malaysian football legend Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan opened the scoring with a powerful shot into the net after receiving a pass from Ashrof Hanafiah in the third minute.
In the second half, Selangor extended their lead with a lobbed shot by Asmawi Bakhiri in the 17th minute. Singapore narrowed the gap with a low shot by Mohammad Noor Ali in injury time, but the match ended 2-1.
The 30-minute clash between the veteran teams captivated the crowd, rekindling a sense of nostalgia between the two rivals.
Earlier, the sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, officiated the tournament.
His royal highness was accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah to witness the historic matches, which returned after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spectators were also treated to a parachute display by the Royal Malaysia Police Air Wing Unit and a musical performance by Malaysia’s pop king, Datuk Jamal Abdillah. – August 18, 2024