Who will win the Malaysia Cup final?
BY ERIC SAMUEL AND K. RAJAN
Pahang captain Jalaluddin Jaafar (left) and Kelantan captain Mohd Badhri Radzi face-off at the press conference at the Shah Alam Stadium ahead of the big Malaysia Cup final on Nov 3,
PETALING JAYA: There is an air of confidence in both the Kelantan and Pahang camps ahead of Sunday night’s tantalising Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Defending champions Kelantan and Pahang have declared state holidays respectively on Monday. Hungry-for-success Pahang believe their 21-year wait for the Malaysia Cup will soon be over.
This is the first meeting between the two east coast sides in the 92-year history of the Malaysia Cup competition, which goes way back since the HMS Malaya Cup in 1921. It will be a sea of red and yellow with more than 80,000 fans witnessing this historic clash.
On paper, consistent Kelantan hold the edge having maintained the core of the team, who qualified for the Malaysia Cup final four times in the last five years (since 2009).
Croatian coach Bojan Hodak, who guided Kelantan to the treble last season, has a winning side led by an explosive set of attacking players – influential skipper Mohd Badhri Radzi, Mohd Norfarhan Mohd and the inspirational Indra Putra Mahayuddin.
The trio together with several other key hands – national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, centreback Azizi Matt Rose, rightback Farisham Ismail and playmaker Shakir Shaari – are the stalwarts who helped Kelantan win the Malaysia Cup for the first time in 2010.
Who can forget Indra Putra’s spectacular goal in their 3-2 win over Armed Forces during extra-time in last year’s Malaysia Cup final?
Indra Putra, who has played in more than seven Cup finals in his colourful career has high regards for the Pahang side.
“You can never rule out Pahang,” warned Indra.
“I have played in numerous Cup finals and believe me, it is always a different ball game. There is no such thing as favourites or underdogs in a Cup final. The team who raise their game on Cup final day will win,” said the former international.
Surprise package Pahang have made heads turn despite surviving the cut in the Super League playoffs last season.
They have no stars nor any big names compared to Kelantan but Pahang believe the time has come for them to win the crown for their fans.
Pahang coach Dollah Salleh credited the team’s success largely to their passionate Pahang FA president Tengku Muda of Pahang, Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah, who initiated the project squad Shahzan Muda FC in 2000.
“We can now see the results,” said Dollah.
Six of Pahang’s first team players are from Shahzan Muda. They include national striker Mohd Azamuddin Akil, flankers R. Gopinathan, R. Surendren, goalkeeper Mohd Khairul Azhan Khalid, defender Mohd Shahrizan Salleh and midfielder Mohd Hafiz Kamal.
Substitute Mohd Fauzi Roslan, who scored the equaliser in Pahang’s 1-1 draw against Sarawak in the crucial return-leg of the semi-finals, is also a product of Shahzan Muda.
Dollah believes the birth of Shahzan Muda FC was the start of better things to come for Pahang football.
“It will be the icing on the cake for all the efforts of the president and the players if we can bring home the Malaysia Cup,” said Dollah.
But it is easier said than done.
Pahang will have to watch out for the “tank” Dickson Nwakaeme – a powerful striker who can bulldoze his way through with his swift turns in the box. Damion Stewart, Pahang’s pillar of strength in defence, will be given the task to stop Dickson.
Who will win, it? It is anyone’s guess.
The 87th Malaysia Cup final kicks off Sunday night at the Shah Alam Stadium and we take a closer look at the two teams that will be contesting in the 8.45pm finale.
KELANTANCoach: Bojan Hodak
Captain: Mohd Badhri Radzi
Past record: Malaysia Cup champions in 2010 and 2012; League champions in 2011 and 2012; FA Cup champions in 2012 and 2013; Premier League champions in 2000.
Road to Final:
Champions Group C Played 6, Won 3, Lost 1, Points 11 Quarter-finals: bt Johor DT 8-5 on aggregate Semi-finals: bt Armed Forces 4-3 on aggregate
Player to watch:
Mohd Badhri Radzi
Age: 32
Position: Midfield A BIG asset for the Red Warriors with his energetic runs and free-kicks. Has the knack of scoring important goals at the right time.
PAHANG
Coach: Dollah Salleh
Captain: Jalaluddin Jaafar
Past record: Malaysia Cup champions in 1983 and 1992; League champions in 1987, 92, 95, 97 and 04; FA Cup champions in 2006; Premier League champions in 2000.
Road to Final:
Runners-up Group C Played 6, Won 2, Lost 2, Points 8 Quarter-finals: bt PKNS FC 5-3 on aggregate Semi-finals: bt Sarawak 4-2 on aggregate
Player To Watch:
Mohd Azamuddin Akil Age: 28 Position: Striker THE diminutive Kuala Lipis local has pace and agility. He will be full of running which could just unsettle Kelantan’s defence who will be without suspended Obinna Nwaneri.
Coach: Dollah Salleh
Captain: Jalaluddin Jaafar
Past record: Malaysia Cup champions in 1983 and 1992; League champions in 1987, 92, 95, 97 and 04; FA Cup champions in 2006; Premier League champions in 2000.
Road to Final:
Runners-up Group C Played 6, Won 2, Lost 2, Points 8 Quarter-finals: bt PKNS FC 5-3 on aggregate Semi-finals: bt Sarawak 4-2 on aggregate
Player To Watch:
Mohd Azamuddin Akil Age: 28 Position: Striker THE diminutive Kuala Lipis local has pace and agility. He will be full of running which could just unsettle Kelantan’s defence who will be without suspended Obinna Nwaneri.
PROBABLE LINE-UP
KELANTANGoalkeeper:
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, 24.
THE national No. 1 will be playing in his eight final – both domestic and international – since 2010.
Defence:
Nik Shahrul Azim Abdul Halim, 23 (centreback)
The former President Cupper has improved since making his debut last year. The youngster is set to play in the heart of defence.
Nik Shahrul Azim Abdul Halim, 23 (centreback)
The former President Cupper has improved since making his debut last year. The youngster is set to play in the heart of defence.
Azizi Matt Rose, 32 (centreback)
The stocky centreback missed the 2012 season with an ACL injury but made a sensational return to the team this season.
The stocky centreback missed the 2012 season with an ACL injury but made a sensational return to the team this season.
Farisham Ismail, 28 (right-back)
Versatile and plays in any position in the backline. Should take up the right-back role and will be a hard player to beat.
Versatile and plays in any position in the backline. Should take up the right-back role and will be a hard player to beat.
Zairul Fitree Ishak, 28 (left-back)
Will play in the place of injured regular Daudsu Jamaluddin. Equally adept in defending and bombing forward with his overlapping runs.
Will play in the place of injured regular Daudsu Jamaluddin. Equally adept in defending and bombing forward with his overlapping runs.
Midfield:
Indra Putra Mahayuddin, 32.
An attacking midfielder. Was the hero in last year’s final scoring the winner in extra-time (3-2). Packs deadly shots.
Indra Putra Mahayuddin, 32.
An attacking midfielder. Was the hero in last year’s final scoring the winner in extra-time (3-2). Packs deadly shots.
Shakir Shaari, 27.
Defensive midfielder. The unsung hero of the team. High work rate and reads the game well.
Defensive midfielder. The unsung hero of the team. High work rate and reads the game well.
Mohd Norfarhan Mohd, 29.
A total package winger. Blessed with speed and trickery. Capable of beating defenders with a drop of shoulder and a good crosser of the ball.
A total package winger. Blessed with speed and trickery. Capable of beating defenders with a drop of shoulder and a good crosser of the ball.
Zairo Anuar Zalani, 31.
A veteran. Forms a solid partnership with Shakir and skipper Badhri to bomb forward. Another dead-ball specialist.
A veteran. Forms a solid partnership with Shakir and skipper Badhri to bomb forward. Another dead-ball specialist.
Attack:
Mohd Badhri Radzi, 32.
The Captain Marvel has been deployed in the hole behind the striker and it has added his potency upfront. A tireless worker.
Mohd Badhri Radzi, 32.
The Captain Marvel has been deployed in the hole behind the striker and it has added his potency upfront. A tireless worker.
Dickson Nwakaeme, 27. Known as the tank. Armed Forces coach B. Sathianathan calls him “Ironman” for his ability to bulldoze past defenders.
PAHANG
Goalkeeper:
Mohd Khairul Azhan Khalid, 24
A rookie playing in his first Cup final. The former Shahzan Muda player has upstaged the more seasoned Mohd Nasril Nourdin.
Goalkeeper:
Mohd Khairul Azhan Khalid, 24
A rookie playing in his first Cup final. The former Shahzan Muda player has upstaged the more seasoned Mohd Nasril Nourdin.
Defence:
Jalaluddin Jaafar, 38 (right-back)
The most senior player in the team. Has loads of playing experience since he first donned Pahang colours 16 years ago, Still has the legs.
Jalaluddin Jaafar, 38 (right-back)
The most senior player in the team. Has loads of playing experience since he first donned Pahang colours 16 years ago, Still has the legs.
Damion Stewart, 33 (centreback)
The pillar of strength in defence. The Jamaican has been outstanding with his solid defending qualities. Also lends support upfront.
The pillar of strength in defence. The Jamaican has been outstanding with his solid defending qualities. Also lends support upfront.
Mohd Razlan Roslan, 29 (centreback)
Has made a strong impact. The national player has been instrumetal with his hard tackles and overlapping runs. Very experienced.
Has made a strong impact. The national player has been instrumetal with his hard tackles and overlapping runs. Very experienced.
Mohd Shahrizan Salleh, 31 (left-back)
A long serving player serving Pahang for 13 years. An aggressive player noted for his speed and strong defensive disciplines.
A long serving player serving Pahang for 13 years. An aggressive player noted for his speed and strong defensive disciplines.
Midfield:
Mohd Amirul Hadi Zainal, 27
Good distributor of the ball. The former national player has individual skills to win the battle for supremacy in the engine room.
Mohd Amirul Hadi Zainal, 27
Good distributor of the ball. The former national player has individual skills to win the battle for supremacy in the engine room.
R. Surendran, 26
A key hand down the right flank. Should provide the sparks in Pahang’s attack with his darting runs.
A key hand down the right flank. Should provide the sparks in Pahang’s attack with his darting runs.
R. Gopinathan, 23
A strong runner. Very influential figure in the Pahang team. Has the ability to turn around the game in the final.
A strong runner. Very influential figure in the Pahang team. Has the ability to turn around the game in the final.
Mohd Hafiz Kamal, 26
A good distributor and reads the game well. Often helps in the offensive. Has a good work rate.
A good distributor and reads the game well. Often helps in the offensive. Has a good work rate.
Attack:
Matias Conti, 23
The Argentine has not been consistent due to injury. But on his day should pose a threat to any defence. Skillful and has good shots at goal.
Matias Conti, 23
The Argentine has not been consistent due to injury. But on his day should pose a threat to any defence. Skillful and has good shots at goal.
Mohd Azamuddin Akil, 28
Hotshot. The national striker has been playing with confidence. Has improved tremendously and should be the live wire of the Pahang team.
Hotshot. The national striker has been playing with confidence. Has improved tremendously and should be the live wire of the Pahang team.
THE VERDICT by V. Sundramoorthy
As one of the popular superstars of the M-League in the 90’s, Sundramoorthy had won the Malaysia Cup with Kedah in 1990 and on two other occasions finished bridesmaid with Kedah (1989) and Singapore (1993). Last year the former Singapore star guided Lions XII to finish runners-up in the Super League in their debut season. This year, he put the more estabnlished Malaysian teams to shame when he led the Singapore Project squad made up of mostly Under-23 boys (preparing for the SEA Games) to win the Super League crown. The 47-year-coach is no stranger to Malaysia football and has picked The Red Warriors to retain the crown in regulation time.
IN GOAL: (Kelantan 60-40)
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is a top class shot-stopper and has maintained his number one status in the national team. Has the agility and ability to read the game well. Loads of experience playing in the final. A huge asset for the Red Warrions compared to the inexperienced Mohd Khairul Azhan Mohd Khalid of Pahang. The big stage could could get onto his nerves.
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is a top class shot-stopper and has maintained his number one status in the national team. Has the agility and ability to read the game well. Loads of experience playing in the final. A huge asset for the Red Warrions compared to the inexperienced Mohd Khairul Azhan Mohd Khalid of Pahang. The big stage could could get onto his nerves.
DEFENCE: (50-50)
Both teams look vulnerable at the back. Kelantan have experience on their side but they will sorely miss the suspended Obinna Nwaneri - a key player in the heart of defence. Jamaican Damion Stewart is Pahang’s pillar of strength in defence and whose form will be vital in keeping the Elephants in the game.
Both teams look vulnerable at the back. Kelantan have experience on their side but they will sorely miss the suspended Obinna Nwaneri - a key player in the heart of defence. Jamaican Damion Stewart is Pahang’s pillar of strength in defence and whose form will be vital in keeping the Elephants in the game.
MIDFIELD: (50-50)
Little to separate both teams in this department. The teams are equal in strength with Kelantan holding the edge in experience with the likes of Mohd Badhri Radzi, Shakir Shaari, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Mohd Nor Farhan Mohd. But Pahang are no pushovers either having speedy flankers in R. Surendren and R. Gopinathan to provide the sparks.
Little to separate both teams in this department. The teams are equal in strength with Kelantan holding the edge in experience with the likes of Mohd Badhri Radzi, Shakir Shaari, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Mohd Nor Farhan Mohd. But Pahang are no pushovers either having speedy flankers in R. Surendren and R. Gopinathan to provide the sparks.
ATTACK: (80-20)
It is unanimous. Kelantan are far too strong in attack. Stocky Dickson Nwakaeme is a battering ram. It will be tough to shackle down his runs and fancy foot works inside the box. The Pahang defence will have their hands full trying to contain this giant. Injury to Matias Conti has left Pahang weakened up front but they still have the underrated Mohd Fauzi Roslan who can pop in with the crucial goal.
It is unanimous. Kelantan are far too strong in attack. Stocky Dickson Nwakaeme is a battering ram. It will be tough to shackle down his runs and fancy foot works inside the box. The Pahang defence will have their hands full trying to contain this giant. Injury to Matias Conti has left Pahang weakened up front but they still have the underrated Mohd Fauzi Roslan who can pop in with the crucial goal.
THE STAR
