NEGRI’S FIRST MALAYSIA CUP CROWN IN 61 YEARS

The last time Negri lifted the coveted cup was back in 1948 when it was known as the Malaya Cup.

It was Negri’s third attempt at winning the Malaysia Cup this decade after failing in 2000 to Perak and then in 2006 conceding to Perlis.

But last night Negri could not have asked for a better start than for young Shahurain Abu Samah (pix) to blast in the lead in the 18th minute off a well taken shot to beat veteran keeper Halim Napi.

With Kelantan being a shade off colour despite having more of their fans in red at the stadium, on-loan striker Hairuddin Omar then put Negri further ahead just a minute after the restart when he beat the offside trap.

National Under-23 striker Mohd Zaquan Adha then completed the win for Negri with a penalty conversion in the 59th minute.

The only goal for Kelantan came deep in injury time courtesy of a wonderful free kick from captain Indra Putra Mahayuddin, who had also emerged as Most Valuable Player of the season in the recent 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards.

Apart from grabbing their second Malaysia Cup crown last night, Negri also took the 100PLUS-FAM Man of the Match Award through defender Mohd Shukor Adan.