NS FC win Premier League to end title drought

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21  -- Negeri Sembilan FC finally ended their title drought by winning the 2021 Premier League after beating PDRM FC 4-2 at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi tonight.

The title is their first since winning the Malaysia Cup in 2011 and Sumbangsih Cup in 2012 and their second league trophy after having won the Super League title in 2006.

Midfielder R. Barathkumar put Negeri Sembilan FC into the lead in the 26th minute before an own goal by PDRM FC defender Muhd Eskandar Ismail in the 39th minute allowed K. Devan’s squad to go two up in the first half.

The home team kept up the pressure in the second half when striker Alain Akono of Cameroon netted the third goal in the 61st minute, which was his ninth goal of the season.

However, two goals by the visitors within eight minutes, from G. Durrkeswaran in the 64th minute and Azrie Reza Zamri in the 72nd minute, jolted Negeri Sembilan FC before the hosts scored another goal through substitute Mohammad Fahmi Faizal’s header in the 76th minute to widen the gap.

The score stayed that way until the final whistle, giving Negeri Sembilan FC the title with 41 points from 12 wins, five draws and three losses in the tournament.

Their closest challengers Sarawak United FC ended their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II to finish runners-up with 38 points.

In the match at Stadium Tan Sri Hassan Yunos in Larkin, imported striker Uche Agba put Sarawak United FC ahead in the fourth minute but Stuart Wilkin equalised for JDT II in the 84th minute.

At Stadium Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah in Kuala Terengganu, a goal by Mohamad Hakim Ismail in the 19th minute allowed Kelantan United FC to beat Terengganu FC (TFC) II 1-0 to walk away with three valuable points.

Kelantan FC and Kuching City FC also tasted victories to confirm their places in the Malaysia Cup competition, which begins on Saturday.

Kelantan FC won 2-1 against Selangor FC 2 at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV while Kuching City FC overcame Perak FC II 2-0 at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Pasir Gudang, to be among the top five Premier League teams who qualify for the Malaysia Cup.

Another slot from the Premier League is a toss-up between PDRM FC and Kelantan United FC, which will only be decided after the match between Kuching City FC and Kelantan United FC at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Pasir Gudang, the last league match of the season.

-- BERNAMA