KEDAH won the 2017 Malaysia FA Cup with a heart-punding 3-2 victory over a 10-man Pahang at the Shah Alam Stadium last night.

The match started slow but exploded into life in the 20th minute when Kedah’s Ken Ilso Larsen chested in a goal after receiving a cross from Syazwan Zainon.

This was followed by the sending off of Pahang midfielder Franciso Insa after a rough tackle on Kedah’s Rizal Ghazali earned him a second booking at in the 31st minute, leaving Pahang with 10 men.

Kedah used its numerical advantage and Baddrol Bakhtiar scored the team’s second goal just before half-time at 45 minutes +1, but Pahang did not go down without a fight.

Pahang’s Heo Jae-won scored a much needed goal mere minutes later at 45+3 minutes, giving his team a much needed boost in morale.

Pahang started the second half with renewed vigour as Kedah tried to keep their lead by playing a defensive game and relying on counter attacks.

At the 71st minute, Kedah had to replace Syazwan with substitute striker Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad as the former was hit in the knee.

Syafiq provided a fresh attacking option for Kedah and the team saw Baddrol scoring just two minutes later, restoring its two-goal lead.

Pahang refused to give up and Mohamadou Sumareh scored a close range header at the 79th minute.

Sensing danger, Kedah then swapped out Larsen with defensive midfielder Syazwan Tajudin to fortify its rear, which proved to be fruitful.

The Pahang team gave everything it had but Kedah’s defense proved unbreakable, allowing the team to pick up their fourth FA Cup trophy. – May 21, 2017.