See me fly: FT’s Harith Imran Hairee does a backflip as he celebrates his goal against Melaka in the final. — Bernama
TEMPERS flared but captain Arif Ilham Mohd Idwan Shah stayed cool to lead Federal Territories to their first football gold in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Centreback Arif and Co fought brilliantly to come away with a 2-1 win against Melaka in a tense match that almost broke into a fight at the Mukah Stadium yesterday.
It was the team’s third final appearance but this time, they got it right after losing to Pahang in 1994 and Perak in 2016.
Yesterday, FT were prepared for another heartbreak as they started aggressively from the get go and their dogged determination earned them the first goal through Numan Hakim Rahman in the 18th minute.
But Melaka equalised in the second half through Mohd Farish Osman in the 52nd minute.
The match grew tense when Melaka were one man down in the 60th minute but Arif was wise enough to keep the team calm as they eventually scored the winner through Harith Imran Hairee in the 68th minute.
“Honestly, it was not easy to control our emotions especially when Melaka were one man down in the 60th minute. I told the boys to remain vigilant and not to let their guard down,” said the 21-year-old Arif.
“We kept to our game plan and when we had our chances we took it. We worked hard for this moment.
The game was marred by a scuffle when Melaka players attacked the match referee as they were not happy with some of the decisions during the match.
But security officials managed to control the situation.
“The match was tense. Melaka players were reacting and at one point, we got emotional too,” admitted Arif.
“I shouted at everyone involved, and told that we were on live television.
“We have to show character and humility on the field as our futures are at stake.
“This is a platform for us to impress selectors. So every action on the field, must reflect our professionalism.”
Arif will now return to his club Kuala Lumpur II, where he will play in the MFL Cup.
“I was a winger but last year, I had a bad knee injury. When I returned to the field, my coach played me as the centreback. I believe if we play the game smart, and command the lines and spaces well, we can be an asset too.
“I hope to make the Super League team one day.”
