PETALING JAYA – Terengganu launched their campaign in the 42nd edition of the Agong Cup Rugby Championship with a nail-biting victory, edging Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur 25-24 in a tense opener at Padang Astaka, Petaling Jaya.
The contest began with Kuala Lumpur capitalizing on an early Terengganu error, as import player Qio Tuilekutu slotted home a penalty to give the hosts a 3-0 lead. Terengganu responded swiftly through fullback Muhammad Faizal Md Tahir, who scored a try in the corner before converting to swing the advantage 7-3.
Kuala Lumpur regained momentum with a try and conversion in the 21st minute, moving ahead 13-7. But Terengganu kept pressing, narrowing the gap with a penalty from Faizal and closing the first half 17-16 in front after adding another try.
The second half saw both sides trading attacks in a tense battle, though several opportunities went begging. Kuala Lumpur’s challenge was hampered when substitute import Waisake Maseikula was shown a yellow card in the 46th minute, reducing them to 14 men. Terengganu added three points via a penalty in the 56th minute but failed to fully exploit their numerical advantage.
Drama unfolded late in the match as Kuala Lumpur reclaimed the lead with a penalty and a try. Yet Terengganu mounted a swift counterattack, capped by hooker Danish Rafiqin Abdul Qayyum’s decisive try that sealed a dramatic 25-24 triumph.
With the opening win secured, Terengganu will next face Kelantan at home on May 16 in their second group-stage fixture.
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