SETIA ALAM (14 MAY 2022): The 2022 Milo Challenger Cup kicked off in style as young footballers were eager to put their football skills to the test on the opening day of the tournament.
The debut edition of the tournament which will take place until Monday will showcase a dazzling array of young talents working their socks off to clinch the maiden 2022 Milo Challenger Cup.
JSA Sports Academy’s Co-Owner, Steven Lim who was at the venue was satisfied with the reception on the opening day and conveyed his gratitude to all the organisers.
He said, “I’m happy to witness almost all the top football academies and young players present in this tournament. The first day has proven to be a success and I hope that the teams will continue to play better as the tournament progresses.”
He added “Despite few teams pulling out at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, the tournament will go ahead as planned.”
JSA City U8 pulled out all the stops to stay undefeated in the Under-8 group A category. The homesters outclassed tournament favourites Harimau Muda U8 (4-1) in a match that kept everyone at the venue on their toes.
JSA City’s coach Thawaan Pereira was delighted with his player’s performance and commended them for giving their best today. The Brazillian said “ Our team has been training hard for the past couple of months and I am proud of my boys performance today.”
He added “I believe that we will continue to give our very best and maintain this ongoing momentum in the next stage of the tournament”.
The afternoon fixture on the first day of competition also saw ATPP Panthers U8 and Young Tiger SPT U8 both vying for the top spot in the Under 8 group B category. Group B favourites Young Tiger SPT U8 defeated homebased club JSA United U8 (2-0) while ATPP Panthers U8 shocked northern side Akademi Penang Panther U8 by a narrow (1-0) victory.
Some of the finest junior talents will pint their strengths in search of glory for their respective football academies over the course of three days. The tournament will consist of five age-group categories – Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17. The top 12 teams from each category will advance to the ‘MILO Junior Champions League’.
