Terengganu is on the path to reclaiming the 40th edition Agong Cup title after securing a 29-26 win over Perlis at Kompleks Tuanku Syed Putra, Kangar.
In a rain-soaked match, Muhammad Danial Noor Hamidi scored the first try just 13 minutes in, with Mohamad Faris Pead converting to put Terengganu up 7-0. Under coach Khairul Azhar Shaarani, Terengganu dominated, forcing Perlis into conceding penalties, further widening the score gap. Hamidi scored another try at the 27th minute, bringing Terengganu to 15-0.
Perlis fought back with a try from Enesi Waqanisau, ending the first half 15-5. In the second half, Perlis, led by coach Mohd Hafiz Zainon, ramped up the pressure, scoring three tries and conversions, but couldn’t surpass Terengganu, who sealed the win with two more tries and conversions. The final whistle from referee Nik Mohd Ramadhan Nik Abdullah confirmed a 29-26 victory for Terengganu.
“Praise be to Allah, the rain created an even playing field for both teams. It wasn’t an easy victory for us as the visiting team, especially against Perlis, who had strong home support and quick attacks under coach Mohd Hafiz Zainon. Credit to Perlis for their fierce performance.
“Our quarterfinal against the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) on Saturday won’t be easy. We’re aware of ATM’s growing strength over the past three years. I have high hopes for my players, many of whom have faced ATM before. But we can’t afford to be complacent,” said Terengganu’s head coach, Khairul Azhar Shaarani.
Next, Terengganu faces the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in the quarterfinals at Stadium Ragbi Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Kuala Nerus on October 12. This season marks the first under coach Khairul Azhar Shaarani.
Last year, Terengganu narrowly missed the semifinals, losing to the eventual champions, the Royal Malaysia Police. Terengganu last won the Agong Cup in 2019, defeating Sabah 25-24 in a thrilling final.
