Jumping for joy: Ridzwan Bakri celebrates his goal against JDT. — Photo by Pahang Rangers
PETALING JAYA: Winger Ridzwan Bakri of Pahang Rangers has an extra reason to smile after winning the Malaysia Futsal Cup.
It was his second medal from the futsal season this year after winning the Malaysia Futsal Premier League (MPFL) with his club and it meant a lot to him, after losing all his previous medal collection due to a fire that razed his house in Tawau, Sabah.
“In March last year, I lost my family house in Batu Apas due to a fire. I lost all my medals in the incident... all of it. More than 700 houses were destroyed in the fire,” said Ridzwan.
“So winning two medals this year with Pahang Rangers is special. Now, there will be medals in my home again.”
The 29-year-old was instrumental for the Rangers when he helped them win the Malaysia Futsal Cup final by defeating Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 3-1 in a penalty shootout, after holding each other 4-4 in regulation and extra time at the Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam on Sunday.
The nippy winger scored two goals in the 16th and 38th minutes, while the other goals from the Rangers came from a JDT defender Saad Abdul Sani’s own goal (35th minute) and Brazilian winger Sergio Jamur (41st minute, extra time).In the penalty shootout, the Rangers’ hero was Ahmad Harith Naim Ismail who scored the winning penalty. The other goalscorers were Jamur and Akmarulnizam Idris.
Ridzwan was named as the Most Valuable Player and top scorer with five goals, tied with teammate Amir Nasrollah Zadeh.
The best goalkeeper award went to Zainulzahin Sinuan.
JDT’s goals were scored by Ekmal Shahrin (first and 22nd minute), Azwann Ismail (35th) and Awalluddin Mat Nawi (42nd minute, extra time) but in the penalty shootout, only Thanatul Thadavirot scored as Firdaus Ambiah, Saad and Azwann missed their chances.
Ridzwan said the match against JDT was the toughest this season.
“Both sides wanted to win so bad and it was intense. We were all pumped up and when we conceded, there was pressure,” he said.
“Coach Gerard (Casas) told us to relax, focus on defending and be patient. We did and we won.
He will now focus on the Asian Cup qualifiers in Uzbekistan from Oct 7 to 11 in Thailand. Malaysia are in Group G with Iraq, Uzbekistan and Cambodia (Oct 11).
