THE Federal Territories have booked a spot in the football final of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) after beating Kelantan 4-3 in a penalty shootout at the MDDM Stadium in Mukah yesterday.
Both sides eked out a 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time and in the shootout, FT’s captain and centreback Arif Ilham Mohd Idwan Shah proved to be the hero by scoring the winning penalty.
“We are so grateful to be in the final. We never expected to go this far. I want to thank my teammates, who are like a family to me,” said Arif, 21.
“First half, we followed the coach’s tactics. We were disciplined in defence and were cautious because the field wasn’t in the best condition.
“We controlled the field in the second half to score a goal but didn’t get it. We showed dogged determination in extra time and brought the game into a penalty shootout.
“We were calm and got it done at the end of the day.”
Said Arif, who is the captain for the first time: “I told the boys that our spirit must be stronger than our opponents.
“I am touched because the boys lived up to the billing on and off the field. We stayed at the UiTM campus but we were always together.
“We went out together, all 20 us, meals together, everything together. That oneness was crucial during the knockout stage.
“We have been away from our loved ones for weeks.
“Our families want to see us as champions. We want to realise that dream.”
Meanwhile, Melaka caused the upset of the tournament after booting out reigning champions Terengganu.
The match ended 1-1 in 90 minutes and they could not find the winner during the extra time too.
In the penalty shootout, Melaka won 4-3 and will face FT in the final at the Mukah Stadium tomorrow.
