Sabah FC brought an end to their long wait for silverware after clinching the MFL Challenge Cup 2025/26, defeating Penang FC in a tense 2nd leg final at Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, both sides battled through a goalless 120 minutes in the return fixture before Sabah emerged victorious via a dramatic penalty shootout.
Sabah, led by head coach Juan Torres Garrido, started brightly in front of their home supporters, with Jafri Firdaus Chew coming close early on, only to be denied by Ramadhan Hamid.
Penang responded strongly, growing into the match and creating chances of their own. Former KL City striker Tchetche Kipre nearly broke the deadlock, but goalkeeper Damien Lim produced a crucial save.
Despite both teams pushing forward, neither side could find the breakthrough, with the match remaining locked at 0-0 through regulation and extra time.
In search of a winner, Penang introduced Omid Musawi, on loan from Selangor FC, who almost made an instant impact but narrowly missed the target.
The intensity remained high, but defensive resilience from both teams forced the final into penalties.
The shootout delivered high drama, with key saves from both goalkeepers denying Dean Pelekanos, Ernesto Phumipha, and OJ Porteria.
In the end, it was Farhan Roslan who stepped up as the hero, converting the decisive spot-kick to seal Sabah’s long-awaited triumph.
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
