Perak upset formbook to make final
PERAK exceeded expectations by reaching the final of the TNB1Mas Under-14 Championships at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Perak defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the semi-final, thanks to goals from Amirul Hanif Mamat in the 13th and Syahrul Ikram Razali in the 18th minute. KL’s solitary reply came via Syafiq Abdullah two minutes from the final whistle.
Perak coach Azmi Yahya said he was pleased to guide the team to the final considering they were not favourites. Perak finished fifth last year.
“This is a bonus for us as we had only expected to finish in the top four,” said Azmi.
“The boys followed instructions very well but were a little careless towards the end which allowed KL to score.
“We will identify our weaknesses and try and improve them before the final against Sabah tomorrow.”
Azmi downplayed his team’s chances of beating Sabah in the final but is still hoping to guide the state to a third title this season after having earlier won the Under-16 category of the TNB1MAS tournament as well as the Razak Cup
“Sabah have been together for a long time while we have only been able to prepare together for a short period of seven days before the tournament.
“We will watch video recordings of their previous matches and analyse where their strengths and weaknesses are.”
TODAY — Boys final: Perak v Sabah 6pm. Girls final: KL v Penang 4.30pm. (Both matches at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil). Ferzalfie Fauzi