MALACCA, Aug 30 — Melaka United have been crowned FAM League champions after defeating Perlis 3-2 in the final match at Hang Jebat Stadium in Krubong here last night.
Nurshamil Abd Ghani emerged as the toast of Melaka United when he scored a hattrick for Melaka to lift the title for the first time in the history of the competition.
In the closely-fought match, Mohd Syafiq Azmi netted both goals for Perlis and both teams ended with a tally of 12 goals each this season.
Before a full-capacity of 40,000 spectators, Perlis opened the score in the 16th minute while Melaka United equalised in the 37th minute.
In the second half, both teams moved cautiously but Perlis broke the tie in the 59th minute to put the score 2-1.
Melaka United came from the back again to equalise in the 71st minute before Nurshamil pounced on an opening in 91st minute to slot in the winning goal for the host to garner the league title.
As FAM League champions, Melaka United took home the cup and a cash prize of RM60,000 while Perlis as runner-up won RM30,000.
The final FAM League match last night was between Melaka United as the champions of group B league with 36 points and group A champions, Perlis which collected 42 points. Both teams will be promoted to Premier League next year.
Also present to watch the game were Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, who is also Melaka United Football Association president, and Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man. — Bernama
