GOALBALL WINS 90TH GOLD FOR MALAYSIA
M’sia edge rivals Thailand for elusive title
AFTER five attempts that ended in fai- lure, Malaysia finally captured the men’s goalball gold at the Asean Para Games.
The home team staved off a late fightback from Thailand in the final to win 9-5 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC) yesterday.
It was also Malaysia’s final gold at the Games, taking their tally to 90.
It was a tremendous effort by Malaysia as they ended the goalball event unbeaten.
Yesterday’s win over the Thais was their second in the Games. In the preliminary round, Malaysia won 13-7.
For captain Husaini Samasuddin, he was glad to get a gold after three failed attempts.
“We wanted to beat Thailand to prove we can win as well.
“In the previous Games, it was the Thais who stopped us from winning the gold,” said Husaini.
“I’m proud of the players as they fought hard to make sure that we win the gold,” he added.
Besides Husaini, the other players were Mohamed Amirul Ahmad, Mohamed Hasmawi Abdullah, Mohamed Haiqal Azani and Mohamed Nor Amin Mohamed Nor Azmi.
Malaysia had a good start with two early goals and then built it up to take a 5-2 first-half lead.
In the early stages of the second hhalf, the Thais fought back to narrow the gap to 6-5. But Malaysia netted three late goals to score a convincing win.
Husaini said the capacity crowd played a major role in helping the team win the gold.
“The fans were just great and inspired us to victory,” he added.
Coach Abdul Karim Raham was glad that Malaysia managed to end Thailand’s domination.
“Having lost five finals (2005, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015), we made extra efforts to be ready for this battle on home soil.
“I am glad that the players put up consistent performances to win the gold,” he said.
The Malaysian women’s team bagged the bronze in the four-team event.
Thailand won the gold when they defeated Laos 5-0 in the final.