Terengganu FC keep 1 point in this match after beating PDRM FC scoring 1-1 in the Liga Super Malaysia 2024/25 at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Gong Badak.
Under the temporary guidance of interim coach Badrul Afzan Razali, following the resignation of head coach Tomislav Steinbruckner earlier in the week, Terengganu FC were left to rue missed opportunities that could have given them all three points.
The match saw Terengganu’s new import striker, Nelson Bonilla, put his team ahead in the 44th minute with a crucial goal. Bonilla, who hails from El Salvador, netted his first goal for the club, capitalizing on a loose ball fumbled by the PDRM FC goalkeeper after a shot from Mohd Azam Azmi Murad. His well-placed finish sent the visiting fans into celebration and gave Terengganu a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Terengganu had dominated the early stages, with captain Safawi Rasid coming close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute, only to be denied by the goalpost. Bonilla also had an opportunity to increase his tally in the 13th minute, but he was unable to convert Azam Azmi’s cross, missing a clear chance to put Terengganu ahead even further.
PDRM FC, under the management of P. Maniam, had limited chances in the first half but came close to scoring in the 19th minute. Former Terengganu FC II striker Bruno Suzuki nearly punished a handling error by Terengganu goalkeeper Suhaimi Husin, but his shot hit the crossbar, leaving the home side temporarily unscathed.
The second half saw PDRM FC respond quickly, and they didn’t waste time getting back into the game. In the 52nd minute, midfielder Chidi Osuchukwu leveled the score with a flying header, capitalizing on a brilliantly executed acrobatic shot by Suzuki that led to the equalizer.
Both teams pressed for a winner in the remainder of the match, but neither was able to break the deadlock. Terengganu, in particular, will be disappointed with their inability to finish off several opportunities, while PDRM FC will be satisfied to leave Gong Badak with a valuable point.
For Terengganu FC, it was a frustrating result as they aimed to secure three points, especially after taking the lead. The team had numerous chances to extend their advantage, but their failure to convert cost them. Interim coach Badrul Afzan Razali will undoubtedly be reflecting on the missed opportunities, while looking ahead to their next fixture.
With this draw, both teams share the points, keeping Terengganu FC in the hunt for a stronger finish in the second half of the season, while PDRM FC continue to show resilience in their campaign.
Credit Photo : PDRM FC
