FOR the first time in 24 years, the Penang Panthers under the Penang FC club will compete in a domestic cup final.
Despite having one of the lowest budgets, Penang is now in the Challenge Cup Final, which will be played over two legs - the first on April 4 at Stadium Bandaraya in Dato Keramat and the other on April 19 in Sabah.
Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam expressed his pride and joy in the club reaching the finals for the first time after more than two decades.
The last was in 2002 for the FA Cup, and this is the first time that the squad managed to qualify for the finals under the Pakatan Harapan-led state government.
The Challenge Cup started in 2018, and Penang FC has never gotten to the finals, said Chew.
Tickets are on sale via www.tickethotline.com.my and also at the stadium.
"Penang FC hopes Penangites will come and support the team," said Chew.
As an incentive, those who are born in April and those above 60 years can attend the game for free by showing their identity cards, he said.
This is aimed at boosting fan attendance.
Penang, like many other state teams, saw a decline in support due to the rising popularity of the English Premier League, and the lacklustre performance of the national team, who are also embroiled in a controversy over the nationality status of some players.
Chew also said that Penang FC will collaborate with the Penang Football Association to organise the Youth Cup tournament.
It is for players under the age of 18 called Piala Belia and under the age of 20 for the Piala Presiden.
The tournament is important to select new talent for the team competing for honours under the Malaysian Super League, where the team is now placed ninth. - March 27, 2026.
