BUKIT JALIL: Academy Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) did Malaysian football proud when all three of the academy’s age-group teams, AMD Malaysia Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14 advanced to the final of the SuperMokh Cup tomorrow.
In the Under-12 category, AMD Malaysia Cougars beat Japanese side Kashima Antlers 2-1, while AMD Malaysia Under-13 and Under-14 caused the biggest upset of the day when both teams beat the academy teams from famed French giants, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The AMD Under-13 squad defeated PSG 4-2 via a penalty shootout after both teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after normal time whereas the Under-14 team under Ahmad Nurfaizal Abdullah won 1-0.
For the final tomorrow, the Under-12 defending champions, Portuguese side Sporting CP will be AMD’s opponents in the final while the Under-13 side will go against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
In Under-14 competition, Ahmad Nurfaizal’s charges face two different missions, one to avenge the 2-1 loss in the group stage and to realise their dream of defending the title.
"Satidfied because the players played well according to plan which was to put pressure in the first half until we unsettle our opponents. In the second half, we forced them to send long balls and we managed to win the ball.
"I will assess my players condition first. All teams play to win and we have the same goal (defend title). What’s important is our players improve while remaining consistent,” said Ahmad Nurfaizal.
Semi-final results
Under-12
Sporting CP 1-0 Aspire Academy
AMD Malaysia Cougars 2-1 Kashima Antlers
Under-13
PSG 1-1 AMD Malaysia Cougars
*AMD Malaysia Cougar won on penalties 4-2
AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Buriram United
Under-14
PSG 0-1 AMD Malaysia Cougars
Arsenal 1-0 Foolad Sepahan