PENANG, 7 April 2026 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School Championship Cup (SCC) 2026 commences with roaring support at Kopa Arena, USM.

With matches between eight schools, students from different backgrounds unite in teams to represent their schools in an awaited annual football match event.

Supporters, which consisted of students and staff, joined forces to show the school spirit and to give encouragement to the players.

Two-time SCC champion PPIP FC, representing the School of Educational Studies, began their journey against PPTI FC from the School of Industrial Technology victoriously as they won 7-0 during the match.

The School of Physics’ PHYSICS FA defeated the newly-debuted School of Communication’s COMM FC with a score of 2-0.

HBP FC of HBP USM was also defeated by the School of Chemical Sciences' CHEMIST FC with a score of 2-0.

Lastly, the School of Management’s SOM FC beat the School of Computer Sciences’ CS FC with a victorious 4-0.

With the ongoing hot weather, the project manager of the event, Muhammad Zulkarnain Johor, put emphasis on healthy habits to manage the heat.

“We have put out a notice for all school teams to bring enough water for players, especially cold water; it is also advised to consume at least two litres of water to prevent dehydration,” advised Zulkarnain.

PPIP FC’s team captain Wan Muhammad Ashraff Wan Zaki shared the preparation behind PPIP FC.

“The preparation and selection for our team have been made since last semester; this includes players from students in year one,” Ashraff stated.

Ashraff also shared the hopes of PPIP FC for SCC.

“Our hope as a team is to become the champion of the USM School Championship Cup once again and to have three consecutive wins under our belt,” he added.

The School of Communication’s MPP Akmal Aziz acknowledged COMM FC’s debut on a positive note.

“The SCC has never had any representation from the School of Communication; we’ve also discussed the odds of our team’s outcome beforehand, but in the end we are glad to have representation and have fun with the game,” said Akmal.

Overall, the first day of games at Kopa Arena A and B ended fairly, with players winning with humility and losing with dignity.

Text & Photo: Sara Hannah Sahan Shah, House of Media (HOMe@MPRC)/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin