TERENGGANU were the first side to book the Malaysia Games (Sukma) football final ticket after edging Selangor 2-1 at the UKM Stadium.
Powered by several youth internationals like Safwan Mazlan (pic) and Muslihuddin Atiq, the east coast outfit showed they were the favourites of the tournament although they did face some challenging moments, no thanks to Selangor’s quick counters.
Terengganu’s first goal was scored in the seventh minute by Muslihuddin, and Zahid Rahim added the second in the 36th minute.
Selangor reduced the deficit in the 60th minute through Adam Muzahir, but Terengganu hung on to their lead to keep their gold medal hopes alive.
Muslihuddin, who played for the national Under-20 in the past, was happy to have helped his state get to the final.
“One job done, and now one more to go.
“We fought as a team, and I hope we can go all the way to win the gold.
“As for the game, we knew we had to stay as one to beat Selangor,” he said.
“Throughout the tournament, we have done well and this must continue. It was also good to complete the game in 90 minutes.
“We are a young and spirited squad. Experienced players like Safwan and I will guide the boys until the end.”
Terengganu will face either the Federal Territories or Penang in tomorrow’s final.
