Defending champions Perak cruise to quarter-finals

SIX teams including defending champions

Perak have confirmed their tickets for the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) football tournament.

Perak, who won in the 2014 and 2016 editions, became the Group A champions with five points after defeating Negri Sembilan 1-0 at the Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) Stadium.

Midfielder Muhammad Adib Abdul Raob’s goal in the 80th minute was enough to take Perak to the next stage to meet the Federal Territories, runners-up of Group B, tomorrow.

Perlis were the second qualifiers from Group A, sharing four points with Negri but separated by goal difference.

The northern state, who were at the bottom of the group, sprang a surprise by edging Sarawak 3-2.

Perlis’ goals were scored by Muhammad Syafiq Salmi as early as the 10th minute, followed by Muhammad Hamizikri Hamid (48th minute) and Ameer Faeez Zainal Ariffin (55th minute) while Sarawak’s goals were scored by Amir Amri Salleh in the 43rd minute and a penalty by Muhammad Zainudin Bohri in the 82nd minute.

Perlis will meet Group B champions Terengganu tomorrow.

In Group D, Kedah emerged champions after Mohammad Fayadh Mohd Zulkifli Amin scored a late winner in the 86th minute to narrowly edge Selangor 1-0.

In another Group D match, Pahang thrashed Kelantan 6-2.

Arisazri Juhairi was on target twice in the 43rd and 66th minutes, while Badrul Amin Jesmi (3rd), Faisal Halim (9th), Haikal Hasbul (17th) and Muhd Nor Amirul Nizam (44th) scored a goal each to ensure a resounding victory. Kelantan’s two consolation goals came from Juzaerul Jasmi in the 16th and 72nd minutes. — Bernama