Penang finally notched their first win of the season by edging Terengganu 2-1 at the City Stadium in Georgetown today.
The Panthers were expected to struggle against the Turtles in the absence of Brazilian striker Casagrande, who is recovering from a cheekbone fracture.
However, Penang, under new coach Zainal Abidin Hassan, showed they were made of sterner stuff as they took the lead through Hilal El Helwe in the 23rd minute.
Terengganu bounced back three minutes into the second half with an equaliser through Faisal Halim.
The east coast side’s joy only lasted two minutes as Penang regained their lead through T. Saravanan.
With the win, Penang, who have seven points, climbed one rung from the bottom of the 12-team standings ahead of Sarawak United on goal difference.