No let-up: Terengganu’s Rainderson da Costa (right) in action against UM-Damansara during the Malaysia Cup match. — ART CHEN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu’s 2-0 win over A1 Semi-Pro side Universiti Malaya (UM)-Damansara in their Malaysia Cup last-16 first-leg clash yesterday seems like a comfy scoreline but the Turtles had to endure much discomfort than expected.
The visitors struck early at the UM Arena, with Brazilian midfielder Rainderson da Costa on target in the fifth minute after calmly finishing off a dangerous cross into the box.
But if Terengganu had expected a cruise after that, they were clearly mistaken.
UM-Damansara appeared to have been given a lifeline in the 29th minute when referee Zamzaidi Katimin awarded them a penalty, ruling that Terengganu fullback Alif Zakaria had fouled striker Imad Haqimi Adnan inside the area.
However, the decision was overturned following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, which showed Alif had won the ball cleanly before making contact with Imad.
After the interval, UM-Damansara pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Nigerian striker Thankgod Michael spearheading their attack.
The powerful 22-year-old created a couple of promising chances and troubled the Terengganu backline with his physical presence and hold-up play.
But Terengganu’s defence, marshalled effectively by Sharul Nizam Ros Hasni, stood firm to deny Michael and limit UM-Damansara to half-chances, despite a few anxious moments.
Terengganu sealed the win in the 78th minute, though good fortune played a part. Tajikistani midfielder Ehson Panjshanbe delivered a curling free-kick from the left that goalkeeper Ameerul Eqhwan failed to handle cleanly.
In the ensuing scramble, UM-Damansara centreback and captain A. Shivan Pillay attempted to clear the ball off the line, only to divert it into his own net.
Despite facing some anxious moments, da Costa, better known as Careca, said his charges did well to absorb the pressure and hang on for a win.
“I believed we played well against a side that posed problems. We were able to nullify them and get a good lead going into the second leg,” said the 30-year-old.
“I am delighted to score a goal in the game, it built up my confidence and I hope to lead this team to better things.”
The return leg will be played at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Jan 23.
