KUALA LUMPUR (SEPTEMBER 20, 2019): The Perak team’s mission in defending their Tun Abdul Razak 2019 TNB Cup title was marred by a 1-3 defeat to Johor in the opening round match which was held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Competing in Group A, Perak was determined to capture their fifth title in six years and they started well by taking the lead in the 7th minute through Hafifihafiz Hanafi.However, Johor being managed by Sarjit Singh provided resistance and equalized a minute later through Muhammad Firdaus Fauzi.Johor then added two more goals through Muhammad Saifuddin Azli and Shelio Silverius to ensure a victory for Sarjit Singh’s team.
In a Group A match which was held earlier in the afternoon between PDRM and Malacca, goals from Amirullah Zainol and Muhammad Ashraf Zuhry Mahat ensured a win for Malacca.
Meanwhile , Perlis were on cloud nine as they easily cruised through their opening match with an emphatic 9-0 victory against Kelantan. Najmi Farizal Jazlan took the centre stage in this match as he contributed 4 assists throughout the match.
The Negeri Sembilan side was also victorious as they overcame Kedah 5-0 while Selangor secured a 2-1 victory over ATM.The women’s category saw defending champions Kuala Lumpur recording a 5-0 victory over Penang in the Group A opening match. Qasidah Najwa Muhd Halimi scored two goals in the 15th and 32nd minute, while Nur Amirah Jasmi Apindi, Nur Arisha Muhammad Asrul Effandi and Nur Zafirah Aziz each scored to secure a win for Kuala Lumpur.
Another Group A match witnessed PDRM winning 3-1 against Johor through goals from Noor Hasliza Mohd Ali, Fazilla and Nor Baini Hashim.
