EASY DAYS AHEAD
UniKL zap Tenaga for clear path to MHL title
UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) came back from the dead to beat Tenaga Nasional 4-2 in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday.
Now, it looks like UniKL are going to have a home run for the MHL title as they only have three more matches against “easier ” opponents in Nur Insafi and Maybank followed by TNB Thunderbolts at the Tengku Abdullah Stadium.
And if they win all three matches, they can celebrate at their very own stadium in Bangi.
Tenaga Nasional took a 2-1 lead, but UniKL kept pressing and scored in their last two quarters.
The UniKL goals were scored by Izwan Firdaus (10th), Razie Rahim (43rd), Kieran Ian Govers (47th) and Ashran Hamsani (55th).
Seasoned national player Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (15th) and Norshafiq Sumantri (20th) scored for Tenaga.
“Tenaga Nasional controlled the match for two quarters, but I have players who can turn around a match... actually I call them match winners, and that’s how we managed to make a comeback,” said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.
Arul, a former national player, gave credit to Ashran Hamsani who notched their fourth goal to ease the pressure.
“I feel very proud to have players like Ashran in my team. He has been with us for at least six years, and I have placed him in defense, midfield and forward and he has adapted well in every position.
“Players like him are what make this club great,” said Arul.
Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said they have given up hope on the title, and will play for the second spot in their remaining matches.
“It will be very difficult to chase UniKL now as I don’t see them dropping points in their next three matches.
“They are the best in MHL now, and so, we will be playing to finish second.”
— Maybank 2 TNB Thunderbolts 1, Tenaga Nasional 2 UniKL 4, Nur Insafi 3 Terengganu HT 5.