| Fadhil Yunus |
MS PDB reached their first-ever DST FA Cup final and ended a run of a fourth straight final appearance for MS ABDB after knocking them through penalties 6-5. The score had ended 1-1 in normal time at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.
The police personnel made history as their progress ensured that MS ABDB, record winners in the competition, failed to contest the final for the first time since the inception of the DST FA Cup in 2012.
Awangku Md Safri bin Pengiran Haji Othman opened the scoring in the 58th minute for the DST Super League winners but MS PDB substitute Abang Azim bin Abdul Rashid’s moment of brilliance took the game to extra time.
The army personnel hit the woodwork twice in a space of few seconds in the second period of extra time.
MS ABDB had the chance to win the uniformed derby from the spot-kick but Haji Md Yusof Haji Matyassin skied his effort wide to allow the police side back into contention.
MS PDB goalkeeper Abd Hafiz bin Haji Awang Ahmad was the hero after saving the decisive spot-kick as scenes of joy erupted.
This will be the first time that a new winner in the DST FA Cup will be crowned and the first time since the 2005/06 season when AH United won the cup after MS PDB dethroned their fierce rivals.
MS PDB deputy coach Mohd Danial Haris hailed his excellent charges in what was a momentous occasion in their history.
“Today is the happiest day for MS PDB. It is not easy to play against the champions of the DST Super League,” said Danial in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
“Through the cooperation, the display, teamwork and game, we succeeded in realising this success.
“We came as underdogs and this is a bonus for us. We did not expect our journey to go so far until we reach the final but this is our fortunes this year,” he added.
He revealed that they reached the quarterfinals last season and this year they have bettered their target after setting a minimum of a top-four spot which they accomplished.
“I like to extend my gratitude to the players, management, the manager and everyone involved as well as to all the supporters,” the deputy coach said.
MS PDB will meet Indera SC in the DST FA Cup final, as a new champion will be crowned for the first time after MS ABDB.
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