Kelantan are FA Cup champions

KUALA LUMPUR: Kelantan created history by lifting the FA Cup for the first time after a 22-year wait when they narrowly beat Sime Darby FC 1-0 in the final match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.

Playing in front of about 85,000 spectators, the Kelantan team known as The Red Warriors, launched attacks on their opponents' half from the start but Sime Darby captained by Es Lizuan Zahid Amir managed to hold on.

Midfielder Indra Putra Mahayuddin failed to score when Kelantan were given a free kick in the 15th minute when his shot went wide.

Play became even more exciting in the second half from both sides, with Kelantan's import player, Mohammed Ghaddar delighting the Kelantan fans into raucous euphoria when he scored the penalty in the 58th minute.

Stunned by the goal, Sime Darby made some dangerous moves forward but Kelantan were in keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat's safe hands.

Mohammed Ghaddar tried to increase the score but his shot in the 79th minute went off the mark.

The match ended with Kelantan defeating Sime Darby 1-0.

The FA trophy was presented to the victors by the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V Ibni Sultan Ismail II, while Sime Darby Es Lizuan was named man of the match. BERNAMA

New Straits Times 

20 May 2012