<
>

Kedah plan for 2018 AFC Cup after Malaysia FA Cup victory over Pahang

Goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal wants to take Kedah's Shah Alam exploits to the 2018 AFC Cup with their FA Cup final victory over Pahang confirming their participation in the regional competition next year.

Saturday night's 3-2 triumph over Pahang meant Kedah captured the FA Cup after a nine-year hiatus.

"This is my third trophy with Kedah, and I can't wait to play at the AFC Cup, as it will be a new experience for me," Ifwat told Harian Metro.

"The competition will also allow us to test ourselves against the best teams from the region."

The young shot stopper, who has been a mainstay in the side since breaking through to the main team last year, had to be alert to thwart a strong Pahang comeback in the second half of an entertaining final.

But ultimately, Baddrol Bakhtiar's brace proved the difference to earn Kedah their third trophy in seven months.

"Baddrol's second goal gave us that much needed breathing space, especially with Pahang attacking incessantly in the dying stages," Ifwat said.

Kedah also clinched the Malaysia Cup last October, before going on to secure January's Charity Shield.

Their feats will also earn the players a cool RM20,000 each, as promised by the association.

"We are also planning for an open bus celebrations in Alor Setar to show off the trophy to our fans," Kedah president Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah said.

"It will also be showcased when we play T-Team on Wednesday."

The success was Kedah's fourth in the FA Cup, having also lifted the trophy in 1996, 2007 and 2008.

Nidzam Adzhar's side also in contention for the league title, as they sit in equal second spot behind Pahang on goal difference.

They trail leaders Johor Darul Ta'zim by six points going into the final round of fixtures before the league takes a six-week break for international matches and the fasting month of Ramadan.