Terengganu players celebrate after scoring against Penang at the Sukma 2022 football final at Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur. – FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu have lived up to their favourites tag in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) by winning the men's football gold medal, defeating Penang 2-0 in the final at the Cheras Football Stadium on Friday (Sept 23).
The first-half was dominated by Terengganu, who controlled possession and created the most chances, with three on target out of seven attempts.
The first chance came in the fourth minute when Terengganu's winger Muslihuddin Atiq capitalised on a loose defensive clearance by unleashing a volley, but it went straight to goalkeeper Mohd Azam Ramli.
Penang's first chance came in the 11th minute when Mohd Syamel Idzham Shariza received a superb through pass from captain and playmaker Mohd Danial Irfan Mohd Nadzri, but his shot was palmed away by Terengganu's goalkeeper Nor Haqeem Hamidun.
Terengganu finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Muslihuddin's brilliant freekick from the right found Safwan, who unleashed a looping header inside the box to beat Azam.
Penang could have equalised four minutes later when midfielder Mohd Zul Hisyam Zamari made a brilliant solo run beating four Terengganu defenders, but Haqeem saved his shot.
In the second-half, Terengganu continued to dominate and could have had a second in the 50th minute when nippy winger Ahmad Aqil Asyrah Awang managed to beat two defenders and was only left in a one-on-one situation with Azam – but the keeper was able to thwart his shot.
Terengganu continued to create many chances but Azam stood strong for Penang in goal.
Terengganu applied the killer blow in the 84th minute when Penang's centreback Mohd Aidil Azuan scored an own goal.
