Confident start by favourites in Round 2

Kuala Lumpur (23 March, 2017): Pahang and Perak took a step closer to Sunday’s final in the 1Mas-MSN-KPM-Milo Boys National Under-16 Tournament at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium today.

The east coast state defeated Malacca 2-1 in opening Round 2 proceedings at the Ministry of Education ground while Perak dashed Sabah’s hopes with a 4-2 victory at the KLHA blue pitch.

Mohammad Amirul Safei fired Pahang into the lead in the 15th minute via open play but Sabah’s search for the equaliser paid dividends 11 minutes later following a penalty corner conversion by team captain Muhammad Fakhrie Zaide before Mohamad Hazim Mohd Ahir struck the winning goal for Pahang in the 35th minute through a penalty corner.

In the girls round two events, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah made promising starts with 2-0 and 2-1 wins respectively over defending champions Selangor and Johor.

The city girls continued to charm the tournament following an unbeaten record of four consecutive wins so far. Forward Hasya Syahida Saifuddin once again came to Kuala Lumpur’s rescue by netting a double – taking her personal tally to nine goals in the tournament.

Sabah, aiming to make their first appearance in the final after missing out in last year’s action, rallied back from a Nor Aina Najwa Norhashimuddin ninth minute penalty corner goal to deliver the winning touch against Johor with strikes in the third and fourth quarters through Flovenia Silveriu and Cyra Cynthia Anis.

“The girls are playing much better this year and we are happy with their performance so far. They must carry on this momentum and win the next match against Negeri Sembilan and we are through to the final,” said Sabah HA secretary, Avtar Singh.

RESULTS – BOYS ROUND 2:
Group X: Pahang 2 Malacca 1
Group Y: Sabah 2 Perak 4
7-9th Placing: Johor 1 Kelantan 0
10-12th: Kuala Lumpur 4 Penang 3

GIRLS ROUND 2:
Group X: Kuala Lumpur 2 Selangor 0
Group Y: Sabah 2 Johor 1
7-9th Placing: Malacca 6 Kelantan 3
10-12th Classifications: Perak 2 Kedah 0