Selangor declares Monday a public holiday following Malaysia Cup win

Selangor's players and official celebrate with their trophy after winning the Malaysia Cup at the Shah Alam Stadium, December 12, 2015. Selangor won 2-0. GLENN GUAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government has declared Monday a state holiday after its football team won the Malaysia Cup.

The “Red Giants” downed Kedah 2-0 to win the coveted trophy for the 33rd time at the Shah Alam Stadium here Saturday night.

The historic win ended Selangor's 10-year drought in the Malaysia Cup, with the last win coming in 2005 when they defeated Perlis 3-0.

The success was also a meaningful gift for Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Friday.

In congratulating the Red Giants, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the gesture was a mark of appreciation for the team’s success under coach Mehmet Durakovic, as well as for its supporters and the people of Selangor.

Azmin said the decision to declare a holiday was first referred to state secretary Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi before Sultan Sharafuddin gave his royal blessing.

“We are extremely delighted to hoist the Malaysia Cup again after a hiatus of 10 years.

“I hope this achievement will be maintained in the years to come,” he said.

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Selangor break Kedah's heart to clinch 33rd Malaysia Cup title