Underdogs Pahang emerge Group C winners

KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang used to be the whipping boys in junior hockey but not anymore.

They showed what they are capable of yesterday after progressing to the second round of the National Under-16 boys hockey tournament as Group C winners.

Pahang, who finished seventh in last year’s competition, kept up their unbeaten record as they downed Kelantan 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Mohd Hazim Ahir was the hero as he scored

a brace (18th, 52nd minutes), both from penalty corners.

Kelantan did pull one back through Wan Muhammad Amirul Hasni in the 55th minute but it was scant consolation.

The win means Pahang, who started their campaign with a 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur before holding Sabah to a 1-1 draw, finished with seven points.

KL also booked their spot in the second round after edging Sabah 1-0 in a must-win tie.

Muhd Syuaib Zulkarnain scored the winner in the 38th minute as the city boys finished behind Pahang with six points.

In Group A, Perak kept up their perfect record as they notched their third straight win.

The title favourites were just too good for Sarawak as first-half goals by Muhd Amar Mustaqim (4th minute) and Muhd Amirul Haniff (21st) were enough for the win.