TZ FC looks ready to rumble.
SIBU: Nazario FC will take on TZ FC in the Sibu FA Cup final at Tun Zaidi Stadium at 3pm on Dec 28.
Sibu Football Association secretary Abdul Hajis Abdullah has invited fans to watch the match.
He said members of Sibu cheer team would appear to boost the atmosphere for the final showdown.
Earlier, in the semi-finals, the teams negotiated their paths to the final in contrasting styles.
Nazario appeared to be coasting comfortably for a final berth but then paid the price for complacency.
They had led 3-0 through Mohd Parid (16th minute), Rosli Suhaili (19th minute) and Mohd Ainnil (27th minute).
The switch to a defensive mode backfired in the second half.
A brace from Rascom’s Norazzan in the 59th and 78 minute and a solo effort from Surace in the 67th minute forced the match into extra time.
Nazario’s Mohd Zukifli then fired a double in the 95th and 100th minute to go in front but Rascom’s Ridwan netted in the 123th minute to reduce the deficit to 5-4.
Meanwhile, TZ edged Red Hackle 2-1 in a match hotly contested throughout the 90 minutes.
Red Hackle fired the first salvo through Ridhwan Rosle in the 19th minute before TZ’s Mohd Safwan equalized just before the first half ended.
It was left to Mohd Helmi to fire his team into the final with a goal in the 58th min.
The bruising encounter saw six yellow cards and one red cards issued to the players.
TZ’s Al Nihafiz and Jahidan, issued two yellow cards each, would have to sit out the final match.
Red Hackle‘s Mohd Arif Nasir was red carded in the 66th minute. Nangka state assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee will officiate in the final match on Dec 28.