Sabah FC made history by winning the MFL Challenge Cup, defeating Penang FC 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout at Likas Stadium. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the two teams remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 120 minutes of intense play in the second leg. Substitute Farhan Roslan emerged as the ultimate hero by scoring the decisive winning spot kick, securing the club's first major domestic trophy in three decades and sparking massive celebrations across Kota Kinabalu.
The match was a tactical battle of attrition, with both sides missing key chances during regulation time. Sabah's goalkeeper produced several world-class saves during the shootout to keep his side in the hunt after an earlier miss by the Rhinos. Head coach Ong Kim Swee praised the team's resilience, noting that the victory is a testament to the club's long-term restructuring and the unwavering support of the home fans who packed the stadium to capacity.
This victory is expected to provide a significant psychological boost for Sabah FC as they transition back into the Malaysia Super League campaign. For the state of Sabah, the win represents a revival of its footballing glory, ending years of near misses and mid-table finishes. The team is now scheduled for a victory parade through the city center tomorrow, allowing the local community to celebrate this historic achievement before the squad shifts its focus to upcoming league fixtures.