Selangor edge towards semis after downing Armed Forces

KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor have taken a step closer to qualifying for the semi-finals after coming back from a goal down to edge Armed Forces 2-1 in a Group B match in the women’s Razak Cup hockey tournament.

Selangor now have four points from a win and a draw. They need just a draw against Johor in their last group match today to confirm their place in the last four.

The race to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B is still wide open because Armed Forces and Johor are tied with three points each after two matches while Melaka have one point.

Forces, who edged Johor 1-0 last Saturday, must beat Melaka today to confirm their place.

In yesterday’s match, played at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, Forces took a 26th-minute lead against Selangor when national forward Siti Rahmah Othman’s penalty corner drag flick sailed past Selangor goalkeeper Noortasya Hidayah Mohd Azlan.

Selangor stepped up a gear and were rewarded with two quick goals in the third quarter.

Fatin Shafikah Mohd Sukri equalised in the 38th minute off a penalty stroke before Raja Norsharina Raja Shabuddin added a second for Selangor just a minute later, also off a penalty corner.

Selangor coach Ikmar Abdul Jabar admitted that the hard-fought win “is very crucial for us”.

“I’m happy with the way my players fought back because Forces gave us a tough time,” said Ikmar.

Armed Forces coach Azizan Mustafa blamed their loss on poor finishing.

“We played well but could not score more than a goal. We are now under a lot of pressure to beat Melaka tomorrow (today) to qualify for the semi-finals,” said Azizan.

In Group A, Terengganu stayed in contention for a place in the last four when they came alive in the last seven minutes to beat Indonesia 2-0 for their second win.

The East coast team have six points from three matches and need just a draw against Perak to seal a spot in the last four.

Auni Athika Ghani put Terengganu ahead in the 53rd minute off a reverse stick attempt before Siti Azlinda Atan added the second from the top D five minutes later.

In Group A’s other match, Pahang defeated Perak 2-0 for their fourth consecutive win.

Pahang, who are already through to the semi-finals, got their goals through Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani (27th minute) and Siti Zulaika Hussin (43rd).