Home > World_Sp
Safuwan Baharudin Scores Winner for PDRM in Malaysia Cup vs. Perak
Safuwan Baharudin's second half goal proved the difference for PDRM at Perak in the Malaysia Cup.
July 14th, 2016 | 07:55 AM | 1363 views
MALAYSIA
Singapore international Safuwan Baharuddin kicked off the Malaysia Cup campaign of PDRM FA on a winning note as his second-half strike ensured the Cops returned home with full points after a 2-1 victory at Perak on Wednesday night.
The Group C encounter saw PDRM take a fourth minute lead through former Selangor forward Guilherme De Paula, as the Brazilian converted a penalty for a debut goal to put the visitors in front.
But Perak drew level through another debutant in Xhevahir Sukaj, who levelled proceedings midway through the first half.
Safuwan then emerged winner with a strike three minutes into the second half, and PDRM hung on, despite Lot Abu Hassan's red card, to go top of their group.
It was the 24-year-old's fourth goal in all competitions since signing for Fauzi Pilus' side at the turn of the year.
The former Melbourne City utility struck the winning goal in the Malaysia FA Cup third round to knock local rivals Selangor out of the tournament in March.
Former Sydney FC and New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz made his debut as a second-half substitute amid a glut of goals as his Kedah side edged Sarawak 4-3 in a thrilling Group A affair at the Darul Aman Stadium.
Liridon Krasniqi was Kedah's hero with a brace, with Malaysia international Baddrol Bakhtiar scoring and debutant Thiago Augusto hitting the winner in the 66th minute.
Sarawak struck through a Makeche Ndumba double, coupled with a Nur Shamie strike, in a game that saw captain Hairul Mokhtar and coach David Usop receive their marching orders.
Before the match, Smeltz said he left Sydney FC after two seasons with "some fantastic memories" to try his luck in Southeast Asia.
"I have made a decision to take up an opportunity in Malaysia and I look toward to the fresh challenge," said the 34-year-old.
"It's something that came about fairly quickly but as we all know this is sometimes how it works in football.
"I leave with some fantastic memories.... getting to the Grand Final in my first season here and scoring the winner in the derby after 90 minutes last season come to mind."
Smeltz, who was A-League Golden Boot on two occasions, has scored 24 times in 51 international appearances for New Zealand, including a goal against Italy in the 2010 World Cup.
The Malaysia Super league will resume on Saturday following a seven-week break, with Smeltz's Kedah travelling to champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC
by Nicolas Anil
If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]