KUCHING, Jan 13: Pantai Damai FC has won the Abang Jo Challenge Trophy after beating Lions Rakan Cop 3-1 at the State Stadium here yesterday.
Captain Mohammad Hafiz Abu Bakar opened the account for the champion in the seventh minute, before Pantai Damai extended their lead in the 37th minute following an own goal from a Lions’ defender.
However, Iqmal Mustaqkim Kamrodin pulled one back for Lions Rakan Cop to end the first half at 2-1.
Any hope for a comeback for the Lions ended in the 72nd minute, when Wan Badzreen Wan Yusuf restored Pantai Damai’s two-goal cushion to make it 3-1.
Pantai Damai held on for the win despite a late surge by the Lions.
The winners walked away with RM5,000 in cash prizes, while the Lions took home RM3,000. To add icing on the cake, Pantai Damai captain Mohammad Hafiz won Best Player of the tournament
Kasika CF and Yayasan Sarawak were jointly awarded third placing and awarded RM1,000 each.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the finals and presented the trophy to the winning team. — DayakDaily
