April 12, 2008 will go down in history as the day Kedah successfully defended their Super League title.
The Canaries have virtually wrapped up the title with an unassailable 11-point lead with three matches to go after the 2-1 win over Terengganu on Saturday night.
Selangor, by contrast, were out of sorts as bottom-placed Penang crafted a rare win in an emphatic manner, winning 4-1 at the City Stadium, putting an end to the Red Giants’ dream of wresting the title away from Alor Star.
Kedah coach Azraai Khor Abdullah was prepared to accept the bouquets as his team remain in contention on all fronts – the FA Cup, the AFC Cup and later the Malaysia Cup.
“I’m pleased to be part of the first ever team to retain the Super League title. By the grace of God, we managed to do so unbeaten at home and plagued by so many injuries.
“In fact Outlaw (Bernard Huggins’ nickname) has been carrying an ankle injury for a long time but he was needed to hold the fort in the absence of A. Victor,” said Azraai.
Marlon Alex James opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ashaari Shamsuddin equalised five minutes after the break.
Huggins, who hails from St Vincent and Grenadines, produced the winner with four minutes to go.
“We wish to thank the management, the fans and friends who have supported the team through thick and thin. This is our present to them,” said Azraai.
Kedah lead the table with 53 points, with the highest scoring rate in the country. Selangor are second with 42 points, followed by Negri Sembilan Naza who leapfrogged over Perak after a win over the latter in Paroi.
Selangor were perhaps psychologically affected after they were docked three points after the FAM disciplinary committee found the FAS guilty for withdrawing four players – Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Amirulhadi Zainal and Safee Sali – from the Ian Rush strikers’ clinic. The players were fined RM1,000 each while coach Dollah Salleh RM10,000.
Asked about the incentives dangled to the players, Azraai said he was thankful his charges were not a demanding lot.
But he would propose the team to perform Umrah or minor pilgrimage during Ramadhan.
“We were in Bali last year, so it would be nice if we could perform Umrah this time,” said the former Kedah midfielder.
The Canaries travel to Selayang to play Police on Apr 19, followed by the home encounter against Pahang on Apr 26 before bringing the curtain down in Perlis on May 3.
With the AFC Cup and FA Cup still very much in Azraai’s system, he has set his mind on resting a few key players for the upcoming league matches.
“Outlaw, Khyril (Muhymeen Zambri) and Pak Long (Ahmad Fauzi Shaari) have not been fully fit. It’s time to give them a rest so that they can recuperate faster,” said Azraai.
Kedah will host Malacca in the FA Cup quarterfinal second leg clash on Apr 22. On Apr 16, they host South China in the AFC Cup.
Elsewhere, Negri Sembilan Naza beat Perak 3-1, Perlis defeated Police 4-0, Brunei DPMM FC upset Sarawak 1-0 away and Johor FC beat UPB-MyTeam 2-1.
(Source FAM.org.my)
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