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True Bangkok United took home the inaugural Selangor Asia Challenge (SAC) 2020 after beating hosts Selangor FA 4-2 on penalties at the Shah Alam Stadium, Malaysia on Sunday evening.
With the two teams coming into this encounter level on points following triumphs over Hanoi FC and Persib Bandung on Match Day 1, the game went into the nerve-racking shootout after it had ended goalless in regulation time.
Bangkok United custodian Warut Makemusik emerged as the hero on the night with two important stops from Halim Saari and Zahril Azri to help the Thai Premier League outfit to glory in the two-day pre-season tournament. As a result, they pipped Selangor to the top spot with seven points
Bangkok United head coach Alexandré Pölking was pleased with the showing from his charges throughout.
“It’s important to have this tournament in pre-season where you pit yourself against teams from other teams to gauge yourself in terms of preparation,” he said.
“The atmosphere was nice but it was not so easy logistically, playing two games in two days. It was always difficult but we managed things very well. We came with a plan which was to give our younger boys in the team some exposure and it’s a good step forward for us as we continue our preparations.
“The game on Sunday was a good game against quality opposition in Selangor. It’s always like that in penalties and we got the luck. I must say I am really happy. I’ve gone to seven shootouts in my coaching career and lost all seven but things finally changed today.”
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Meanwhile, Indonesian giants Persib came in third after seeing off Vietnamese champions Hanoi in a 2-0 victory, thanks to first-half strikes from Puja Abdilah and Beni Oktovianto. The game was however halted at half-time due to inclement weather conditions, with match organisers awarding Persib the win as they finished the tournament with seven points to their name.
The main action may have been on the pitch, but there was still plenty of action off it as well.
The SAC opening act saw performances from popular band Bunkface and musical artist Monoloque which thrilled the crowd on Match Day 1 of the SAC as a firework display lit up the Shah Alam sky shortly after the same night.
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DAY 1 RESULTS
Hanoi FC 0-3 True Bangkok United
Selangor FA 3-0 Persib Bandung
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DAY 2 RESULTS
Persib Bandung 2-0 Hanoi FC
Selangor FA 0-0 True Bangkok United
(Bangkok United win 4-2 on penalties)
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CHAMPIONS: TRUE BANGKOK UNITED
RUNNERS-UP: SELANGOR FA
THIRD: PERSIB BANDUNG
FOURTH: HANOI FC
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