BINTULU: Defending champion Suai Sebatu Bersatu (SSB) kicked off their campaign to retain the Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing Cup with a 2-1 win over BPJ Team during their first game at Bintulu Stadium last Saturday.
With less than a quarter of an hour on the clock, Sharafuddin Mat opened the account for BPJ Team with a beautiful corner kick that easily beat the SSB goalkeeper.
SSB equalised with a fine header by Mohd Fikri from close range to make it 1-1 at half time.
Badrol nizam of SSB scored in the second half from outside the penalty box to secure the 2-1 victory at full-time.
Both teams will meet again next month in the final of the Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Football Cup. In the semi-finals, BPJ Team beat Rovers United 1-0 while SSB defeated BSKPP 2-0 to book their place in the final.
Present to officiate at the opening of the tournament was Bintulu MP’s political secretary Zaiedy Nor Abu Nasir. Also present was Bintulu Football Association president Duke Janteng.
A total of 29 teams are participating in the second edition of the tournament which was divided into two categories – A and B.
Duke said 10th best teams will be selected to play in the Petronas League which is expected to kick off in January next year.
At the same event, Zaiedy handed over RM30,000 mock cheque sponsorship for the Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing Cup.