Wan Zack Haikal played a starring role as Harimau Muda beat 8-time League champions SAFFC 2-1 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday.
Harimau Muda started brightly going close in the opening 10 minutes. First, forward Thamil Arasu fired agonizingly wide after making space for himself and from their first corner, Wan Zack played a brilliant cross only for Ahmad Hazwan to head wide. Fazrul Nawaz then had two chances to snatch the lead but wasted both.
The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. Wan Zack bamboozled a static Mamadou and made space in the box before firing high into the net past keeper Shahril Jantan.
The Warriors continued to press and they were rightly rewarded on 79 minutes. Ruzaini Zainal was fouled on the right wing and from the resulting free kick Inui crossed brilliantly for Sakurada to head home past keeper Izham Tarmizi.
Both teams smelt victory and the game became stretched, with Harimau coach Ong Kim Swee making quick substitutions to freshen his team.
In the next attack, Harimau broke quickly and substitute D Saarvindran found Wan Zack in a crowded box. Wan Zack kept his composure and side stepped his markers to layoff the ball to the unmarked Hazwan to fire past the despairing dive of Jantan.
The goal sent the visiting fans into wild raptures and the Warriors players held their heads in disbelief.
The home side pressed forward in numbers in the final minutes searching for an equaliser but the resolute Harimau defence kept them at bay ensuring the 3 points.
