KUALA LUMPUR (22 SEPTEMBER 2019): Defending champions Perak were almost undermined as they were forced to share points with Melaka in an intensified second group A match today.
Following their opening day defeat to Johor on Friday, only a victory could guarantee a slot for Perak to make it to the semi-finals. However, their hopes were halted due to the inefficient finishes by their attackers.
Meanwhile, Johor’s desire to secure a second consecutive win in the early semifinal slot was not materialized as they drew 2-2 against PDRM.
Muhammad Shafiq Hassan and Muhajir Abdu Rauf’s goal almost guaranteed a victory for Johor until a decisive penalty stroke by Baljit Singh Sarjab Singh in the 53rd minute ensured breathing space for PDRM.
“We played well and it was an important lesson for our young players. We still have another match and we have to win against Melaka on Tuesday to ensure a spot in the semi-finals,” said Johor coach Sarjit Singh.
Moving on to Division 2, it was easy for Selangor to pull off a 5-1 victory over Perlis, assisted by a series of goals from Abdul Rauf Nazri, Faridzul Afiq Mohd and Muhamad Fahmi Zaharman.
The other Division 2 match witnessed ATM recording their first victory in 3-1 win against Kedah.
The win was aided by two goals through a penalty corner from Ahmad Rihwan Zainal Abidin in the 21st and 51st minute.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan recorded its second consecutive win, this time by outscoring Kelantan for a 3-0 victory.
The women’s category witnessed two Group B matches which took place this morning with Selangor opening their campaign by overcoming Melaka.
Nurul Natasha Fairuz’s brace ensured victory for Selangor while Norshafiqha Ishak scored Melaka’s consolation goal.
Meanwhile, the match between ATM and Terengganu ended in a 1-1 draw with Mr Nur Hidayah putting Terengganu ahead in the 13th minute while Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani equalized for ATM through a penalty stroke goal.
