Perak 2 - Kedah 1

Perak got their second win out of three matches, as Norizan Bakar's side beat Kedah in a pulsating match at the Perak Stadium.

Perak, who are the underdogs in their group, were just in cruise control in the first half as goals from Shafiq Jamal and new sensation, Failee Ghazali were enough to sink Kedah in a game that was marred by 11 minute stop.

Perak, started off on the right note, as loan signing could have scored a goal in the 3rd minute but his effort hit the bar. Failee managed toe poke the ball after a goalmouth melee ensued when Rafiuddin Roddin's corner caused problems for the Kedah defence.

The first 10 minutes, Perak were aggressive and created numeorus chances. Fazrul Hazli, who is known for his trickery, jinked past three defenders and only had to face Kedah's goalkeeper, Helmy Eliza Elias. However, he was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle by Kedah's captain, Fauzie Nan.

Came the first blow for Kedah in the15th minute, as their former player, Shafiq Jamal scored a beauty. Stealing the ball from the opposition defender, Shafiq timed his run well and took a shot from  25 metres out. The unpredictable nature of the shot tricked keeper, Helmy and Safiq scored his 2nd goal out of three games.

After the goal, Kedah came back stronger as National select, Azmi Muslim was a constant menace from set pieces as he shots were either saved by Kamarul Effendy or wide off the bar. 

Sabree Mat Abu, part of the AFF Suzuki Cup winning team, was given a much advanced role in this match and he nearly equalised for Kedah as his surging run beat Perak's defenders but his shot was deflected by a defender as Kamarul Effendy was caught stranded in his area.

Khril Muhymeen, who was given the task to fill in for the suspended Baddrol Bakhtiar, did not disappoint as his marauding runs and skills caused problems for Perak's veteran left back, Chan Wing Hong.

In the 34th minute, Kedah equalised, when a lacklustre Chan Win Hong allowed V. Thirumurugan to nick in a cross and Khril was there to put the icing on the cake. Khyril's on the run header was enough to beat the on rushing 22 year old keeper, Kamarul.

The moment Khyril scored, Perak suddenly came into life and scored the winning goal, when Failee Ghazali, constant pressure on Fauzie Nan paid off as he robbed off the ball from the former national defender and beat Helmy, with a clinical finish. The man on loan from USM has impressed and he has so far scored two goals in the Malaysia Cup campaign.

His goal spurred wild celebrations from the fans and at one point, they went overboard as the game was stopped for almost 11 minutes.

The tempo of the game slowly lost its luster and players weren't at their optimum shape. Come 2nd half, the whole scenario changed as Kedah started attacking in search for the equalizing goal.

In the 48th minute, Khyril was at the the thick of things again, as he was well placed to make a shot but he skied it by placing it high. Azmi Muslim again threatened from set pieces, as he curled a free kick in to the near posy but it hit the side netting.

Kedah's diminutive midfielder, Ahmad Fauzi Shaari could have got himself in the score sheet 71st minute, but his grounder was not accurate enough.

During the game. four Kedah players received yellow cards as Fauzie Nan,Mohammad Fiqry Mohammad Isa, Amar Rohidan and Ahmad Fauzi Shaari were penalised by the referee. Perak's defernder, Hisyamuddin Shaari and Kamarul Effendy also received yellow cards.

In the 84th minute, Perak could have made it 3-1, if not for Rafiuddin's hesistence. Perak made a swift counter attacking move as Fazrul Hazli started off the move as he and substitute, K. Nanthakumar combined to assist Rafiuddin but he was caught off guard and didn't take his opportunity well.

End of 90 minutes, Perak maintained their lead and nailed the tie against their big rivals. Perak were on a thin line in the second half but they managed to pull through.

Perak will now meet Sabah in their upcoming game on the 17th September at Perak Stadium. Sabah currently top the group as Perak are in the 2nd place only through goal difference. Kedah are placed 3rd with three points and it hasn't been a smooth ride for them as they have lost 2 consecutive matches.