ESPN Star
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
At the Sarawak State Stadium, Selangor failed to get their bid to win the Malaysia Cup for a 33rd time - dubbed "Mission 33" - off to a winning start as they fell 2-1 to Sarawak in Group D.
The Red Giants got off to a perfect start when on-loan Sarawak defender Ronny Harun scored an own-goal after nine minutes, but Ashri Chuchu hit back for the Crocs by netting an 18th-minute equaliser.
And in the 64th minute, local favourite Bobby Gonzales grabbed the winner to hand Sarawak an unexpected opening day victory.
Newly-promoted Pahang are currently top of the group after beating T-Team 3-2 at the Darulmakmur Stadium, with Malaysia international Azamuddin Akil once again starring for Tok Gajah.
The Turtles went ahead after just three minutes when Liberian striker Francis Forkey Doe found the back of the net, but Peter Butler's men then had goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee Ramli to thank as he made a couple of brilliant saves to deny both Obinna Nwaneri and Badri Radzi after the hour mark.
Shortly after, Kelantan's chances of victory were dealt a huge blow when defender Daudsu Jamaluddin received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow, although the visitors managed to remain in the contest until injury-time, when Ismail Faruqi netted to wrap up the win for Terengganu.
They join ATM at the top of Group B after the reigning Premier League champions cruised to a 2-0 triumph against recently-relegated Kedah.
The Armed Forces took the lead at the Darul Aman Stadium on the half-hour mark when winger K. Reuben opened the scoring, before Malaysia international Zaquan Adha doubled their lead nine minutes from time to secure the points.
In Group C, Sime Darby were unlucky not to pick up all three points as seven-time winners Perak grabbed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
Perak went behind in the 64th minute when Leandro Teofilo struck with a terrific freekick, but Fahrul Razi popped up a minute from time to steal a share of the spoils for Seladang.
Elsewhere in the group, defending champions Negri Sembilan were held to a 1-1 draw at Felda United.
Finally in Group A, Super League runners-up LIONSXII were held to a 0-0 draw at Johor FC in a dour encounter, while PKNS FC came from behind to steal a point in a 1-1 draw with Johor.
