GLORY FOR PAHANG VETERANS

Survive shootout against Perak

PAHANG emerged as the men’s veterans champions after defeating Perak 3-2 on penalty strokes following a scoreless draw in the final at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday,

In the semi-finals played in the morning, Perak whipped Johor 5-0 while Pahang downed Terengganu 3-0.

This is Pahang’s first title in the tournament after finishing joint champions with Terengganu last year.

Pahang goalscorers in the shootout were Sunil Prasad, Ashri Muda and Khairul Hisham Adam while Kasevan Naidu and Badrulazam Talib scored for Perak.

“Perak were the better side in the tournament but luck was with us this time around,” said Pahang team manager Khairul Auda Mohamed.

For Perak coach Saiful Azwan Ismail, it was another disappointment after losing to Negri Sembilan in the final in 2013.

“I was on the losing side in 2013 as a player. It turned out to be another disappointment this time as a coach,” said Saiful.

In the playoff for third place Terengganu edged Johor 1-0 with a Kamsani Jasmani field goal in the 10th minute.

Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah have one foot in the semi-finals of the TNB1MAS Under-14 Championship after defeating Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in Group B at the National Stadium yesterday.

Even with two group matches remaining, last year’s semi-finalist already have six points from their first two matches to leave closest rivals Negri Sembilan in their wake on three points, followed by Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur with one point apiece.

Despite the win, Sabah coach Hasrul Jideh is still not satisfied with his players and is working on the team’s weaknesses before their third group match against Terengganu today.

“Even though it was our second win, I feel there is room for improvement,” he said.

In their first match, Sabah defeated Negri Sembilan 1-0 on Friday.

Haziq Haiqal Daus emerged as Sabah’s hero when his two goals in the 17th and 36th minutes ensured Sabah maintained their perfect record.