Relegated Terengganu FC II (formerly known as T-team) became the first holders of the Challenge Cup with a 2-0 win over UKM FC in the return-leg final played at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Monday.
The Terengganu outfit, which will ply its football trade in the third-tier FAM Cup League next season after finishing at the bottom of the Premier League this season, won 4-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
Terengganu FC II had a hero in their Nigerian hitman Akanni Sunday Wasiu who delivered the killer blows on Monday – striking in the 22nd and 53rd minutes – much to the delight of the home fans.
Wasiu’s first was an unstoppable header off an assist from Andrew Anderson. His second was power packed grounder from inside the box.
The champions won RM250,000 in prize money which came with the title while losers pocketed RM75,000 for their efforts.
“We fell under pressure but, still, I am proud of my players despite the defeat. They gave their best on a day when our opponents made it count with the opportunities that came their way,” said UKM coach Sulaiman Hussin.
His Terengganu FC II counterpart Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan was more than delighted with his team’s win.
“We had some advantage playing at home. The players were determined to win the silverware after a poor run in the Premier League. The (Challenge) Cup means a ot to the team,” said Tengku Hazman. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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