Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba in action for Penang II. - Photo by Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: It was a night to remember for Penang’s young midfielder Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba (pic) as he scored his first goal of the season in the Panthers’ emphatic 3-0 win over Melaka in the FA Cup round of 16 second leg at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Monday.
The victory sealed a 5-0 aggregate triumph and fired Wan Rohaimi Wan Abdul Rahman’s men into the quarter-finals.
After Stefano Brundo’s early header in the 11th minute, Haziq doubled the advantage just before half-time, finishing confidently with a low drilled shot from outside the box in the 39th minute to send the home fans into raptures.
Despite OJ Porteria’s late red card, Penang capped the night with Tchetche Kipre’s strike in the 80th minute to complete a commanding win.
For Haziq, the goal marked a milestone in his blossoming career.
“It feels amazing to get my first goal of the season and my first in the senior team,” said the 20-year-old, beaming with pride.
“I’m thrilled to assist in team’s first home win and hopefully can keep the momentum.”
But the midfielder, who caught the eye with his tireless energy and combative play in the middle of the park, which also earned him a man-of-the-match award, remains humble.
“I know there is still a lot of room for improvement and I have to keep consistent to stay in the first eleven,” said Haziq.
“I will keep working hard every day and try to improve in every training session to help my team.”
Haziq’s tigerish display inevitably drew comparisons to his elder brother, Syamer Kutty Abba, one of Malaysia’s established defensive midfielders.
For the younger sibling, Syamer’s influence has been invaluable.
“Abang Syamer always guides me. He advises me every day to improve my performance on the pitch.”
Syamer left Penang in 2017 to join Johor Darul Ta’zim and last season, he played for Penang on loan before joining Kuala Lumpur this season.
“I hope I can fill the gap left by my brother,” added Haziq.
