Ismail Zakaria showed his magical touch once again as Sime Darby held Terengganu 0-0 to qualify for their first ever final 3-2 on aggregate. Sime Darby FC will play against last year’s runner up, Kelantan FA in the final on May 19th at the Shah Alam stadium.
Sime Darby FC were without in-from striker Ronaldinho Wleh who was suspended, but they didn’t wait long to hassle the Terengganu defense. A brilliant shot from their striker almost gave them an early goal but it was denied by national goalkeeper Sharbinee Alawee Ramli.
The absence of Manaf Mamat seem to affect Terengganu as Forkie Doe, Ashaari Shamsudin and Abdul Hadi Yahaya were all lacking on ideas on how to beat Sime Darby goalkeeper, Redzuan Harun.
But as the game wore on Sime Darby were put under pressure as Terengganu FA slowly found their attacking style of play. Several efforts by the Turtles’ forwards were denied by the home goalkeeper, Redzuan Harun.
Ashaari Shamsudin had the chance to put Terengganu ahead soon after, but his low shot was cleverly read by Redzuan Harun who cleared the ball out of danger. Redzuan was absolutely having a field day in goal as both teams failed to break the deadlocks in the first half.
Francis Forkie Doe then thought he had scored for Terengganu in the second half but the goal was ruled out as the referee sensed a foul committed by the striker.
Terengganu’s coach Mat Zan Mat Aris conceded that his team did not put in their best performance after failing to finish any of the chances created.
Ismail Zakaria on the other hand praised his Sime Darby side for giving a hundred percent commitment and keeping their defensive shape to maintain their slender lead and qualify for the final.
Sime Darby will go into the final as underdogs against Kelantan, but they have every right to be optimistic of another upset after a gallant performance like this.