KUCHING: In a heart-stopping final, Cascara Junior triumphed 4-3 on penalties after a tough 0-0 battle, showing courage and passion to win the PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League 2025 PSK 14.
The highly anticipated final saw Cascara Junior face off against Sekolah Sukan Negeri Sarawak (SSNS) in a match marked by intense competition from both sides.
Despite several close attempts on goal, neither team could break the deadlock resulting in a goalless draw.
The match was physically demanding, with a total of four red cards shown throughout regulation and extra time – two to Cascara Junior and two to SSNS – underscoring the fierce nature of the contest.
In the penalty shootout, Cascara Junior stayed calm under pressure. Even when they fell behind, the players never gave up and kept fighting until the last kick.
Despite losing two players, the team remained proud and gave their best effort until success was achieved – a resilience praised by Cascara’s assistant coach Azaree Mohamed.
“Alhamdulillah, today we were blessed. We worked hard and prepared for this final game.
“It wasn’t easy; the team on the other side was very strong,” he told reporters pitch-side at Sarawak Stadium today.
En route to the final, both teams displayed strong form in the semi-finals, with SSNS cruising to a 5-1 victory over Al-Mateen Academy, while Cascara Junior secured a solid 3-0 win against Mukah FA (C).
Among the dignitaries present to watch the final were Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Sarawak Education Director Omar Mahli and Senior Manager, PETRONAS Sarawak Regional Office, Rhymie Rashidie Ibrahim, Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) vice presidents, Khairulddin Qalam Daud and Khairul Anuar Adeni.
