Malaysia Cup Begins In A Challenging Season

By Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The 2020 Malaysia Cup tournament, which officially begins Friday, is set to be one of the most memorable editions even as the domestic football industry struggles with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic hit the country early this year, Malaysian League (M-League) teams have been affected financially, and the ban on spectators in stadiums have added to some teams’ already difficult season. The implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until Nov 9, has posed a challenge to the preparations of four teams based in the Klang Valley - Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, UiTM FC and PJ City FC. Meanwhile, three-time finalist Sabah were forced to give up their dreams of lifting the Malaysia Cup this year, making them the first team barred from participating in the tournament due to COVID-19, as they are still subjected to the CMCO implemented in the state. The impact of COVID-19 on domestic football is undeniable after the Super League and the Premier League were shortened to 11 matches while the FA Cup and the Malaysian Challenge Cup were cancelled, thus paving the way to organise this season’s Malaysia Cup. Many observers were of the opinion that the tournament - the oldest competition in Southeast Asia - would have to be postponed, with some urging the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to cancel it entirely this season. The competition however has its defenders, with former national football coach K. Rajagobal, saying that Malaysia Cup has its historical value and traditions since it was introduced in 1921. "The excitement of Malaysia Cup final builds up every year, and supporters’ enthusiasm towards the tournament is undeniable,” he said. This season’s tournament sees a new format being used, a knockout system practised by the Asian Football Confederation Champions League and the UEFA Champions League this season. A total of 15 teams will competed in this season’s tournament, consisting of 10 Super League teams and five Premier League teams with defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) having an easy route to a potential second consecutive Malaysia Cup victory. The Malaysia Cup draw which took place on Sunday set up some thrilling encounters, including one pitting former champions Kedah and Pahang against each other in the first round. Meanwhile, JDT seemed to have an easy path to the cup, taking on Kuching FA at home, while 2020 Premier League champions Penang, UiTM FC, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan all have a chance to book a place in the final. Other first round matches include record holders, 33-time champion Selangor squaring off against Melaka, while eight-time winners Perak will entertain Kelantan United FC as Penang takes on Felda United FC. The 2020 Malaysia Cup could also be the swansong of 'The Fighters' after Felda United FC failed to secure a Football Association of Malaysia licence for the 2021 season. The first round will take place from Nov 6 to Nov 8, followed by the quarterfinals (Nov 12 and Nov 13), semi-finals (Nov 17) and the final on Nov 22. The 2020 Malaysia Cup champions will be given a berth in the 2021 AFC Cup. -- BERNAMA