Terengganu FC performed well, crushing Myanmar’s Shan United 5-0 in their ACC Shopee Cup 2024/25 Group Stage encounter in Group A at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon.
Both teams were under pressure to secure a win, as only victory would keep their hopes alive for advancing to the semi-finals. Terengganu, led by a potent attacking lineup of Akhyar Rashid, Safawi Rasid, Manuel Ott, and Engku Nur Shakir Engku Yacob, proved too strong for the home side.
Terengganu started brightly, earning a penalty in the 11th minute after VAR confirmed a foul by Shan United’s Moussa Bakayoko. Safawi Rasid stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick, giving the visitors an early lead.
Filipino playmaker Manuel Ott doubled the advantage in the 25th minute with a stunning strike that left Shan United goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Phyo helpless. Terengganu continued to dominate, with Akhyar Rashid nearly adding a third in the 39th minute, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Zin Phyo.
Shan United’s Bakayoko almost redeemed himself in the 42nd minute, but his effort failed to trouble Terengganu’s goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim.
Just before halftime, Terengganu were awarded a second penalty after Zwe Htet Min was caught pulling Engku Shakir in the box. Referee Koji Takasaki not only awarded the penalty but also showed a red card to Htet Min. Akhyar Rashid converted the penalty with ease, sending Terengganu into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Despite a tactical substitution by Shan United coach Hiroki Ono, introducing Mark Sekyi to shore up the defense, Terengganu remained relentless. The match turned heated when a scuffle broke out between Sekyi and Terengganu’s Nurillo Tukhtasinov, with both players receiving warnings.
In the 63rd minute, Ott added his second goal of the night and his seventh of the season, heading in a perfectly timed cross from Akhyar. Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali then brought on substitutes Nik Sharif Haseefy Mohd Lazim and Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili to maintain momentum.
Akhyar scored his second goal in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after his initial shot was parried by Zin Phyo. Shan United’s woes deepened when Zwe Khant Min was sent off for a second yellow card in the 78th minute, leaving the hosts with just nine players.
Despite continued pressure from Terengganu, the scoreline remained 5-0 at the final whistle. The emphatic victory lifted Peteh to fourth place in Group A.
Terengganu’s attention now turns to the Malaysia Cup semi-final, where they will face Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on January 17, 2025. Meanwhile, Shan United will look to bounce back when they take on Thitsar Arman on January 12, 2025.
This dominant win showcased Terengganu’s attacking prowess and defensive discipline, setting the stage for an exciting clash against JDT in their next fixture.
Credit Photo : TFC
