Sabah FC defeated Penang FC 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw to win the Challenge Cup in a tense final at Likas Stadium
SABAH FC are the Challenge Cup champions after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Penang FC. The final was decided from the spot following a 1-1 aggregate draw after 120 minutes of football at Likas Stadium.
A crowd of 20,589 watched as Sabah controlled possession for large periods of the match. Penang, however, created the more dangerous chances through swift counter-attacks.
Poor finishing plagued the Black Panthers throughout the contest. This issue had also affected them in the first leg of the final.
The pattern of play continued into the second half with Sabah dominating the ball. Penang remained a persistent threat on the break, with Tchetche Kipre spurning several opportunities.
Sabah intensified their attacks towards the end of regulation time. Penang’s defence stood firm to repel the pressure and force extra time.
Fatigue was evident as the pace slowed during the additional 30 minutes. Both teams continued to push for a decisive goal without success.
The match proceeded to penalties after 120 minutes of deadlock. The shootout provided high drama as both goalkeepers excelled.
Sabah’s Damien Lim and Penang’s Ramdhan Ab Hamid each saved two spot-kicks. The score was tied at 3-3 after the initial five penalties.
Penang defender Adib Raop missed his sudden-death attempt. Sabah winger Farhan Roslan then stepped up to score the winning penalty.
Farhan’s decisive strike ended Sabah’s seven-year wait for a trophy. Their last title was the Premier League crown in 2019.
This victory also marks the first time a team from Borneo has won the Challenge Cup. Before the match, the Malaysian Football League presented a RM20,000 contribution to the Sabah State Government fund.
The donation is to assist victims of a fire in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan. A minute’s silence was also observed for the affected residents.
