PETALING JAYA: Thunderstars, the rebranded Tenaga Nasional, have struck like lightning to shatter Terengganu’s hopes of defending their Malaysian hockey treble by pipping the champions to the Charity Shield Saturday (April 11).
Thunderstars fought back from two goals down at the Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium to edge reigning league winners Terengganu 5-4.
The hosts drew first blood through veteran striker Faizal Saari, who scored just three minutes into the match.
Just a minute later, the 35-year-old, who led Terengganu to victory in last year’s TNB Cup, doubled the lead much to the delight of their home fans.
But Thunderstars showed they will not be silenced as they staged a comeback in the second quarter.
South Korean Jang Jong-hyun converted a penalty corner in the 16th minute, before youngster Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari fired home the equaliser in the 30th minute.
Former Terengganu striker Akhimullah Anuar Esook, who has joined Thunderstars, then scored in the third quarter to put his side ahead in the 33rd minute, before Jong-hyun nailed his second in the 44th minute for a 4-2 lead.
Refusing to throw in the towel in the final quarter, Terengganu’s new signing, South African Samkelo Mvimbi scored on his debut through a penalty stroke in the 48th minute.
The Terengganu supporters were cheering loudly again when Faizal's brother, Fitri, sounded the board in the 52nd minute to make it 4-4.
Thunderstars, however, had the last laugh when Jong-hyun completed a hattrick by converting a penalty corner in the final minute to seal the 5-4 win.
Tenaga last won the Charity Shield in 2024 when they beat Terengganu 3-1 in the shootout.
