Tears of joy and grief rolled down the cheeks of Malacca High School (MHS) coach Muhammad Fahmi Zulkifli Aumi as he watched his players lift the 2024 Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Division 2 title at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
MHS, founded on 7 December 1826, and is the second oldest school in the country after Penang Free School, defeated Majlis Sukan Negeri Sabah/Persatuan Hoki Sabah/Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah (MSNS/PHS/SSMS) 2-0 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
It was a moment of joy for the198-year-old school, coaches, players, and more than 40 parents who travelled from Malacca to support the team. MHS goalkeeper goalkeeper Muhammad Syakir Md Dzullkepele also received the best goalkeeper award while Sabah’s Alves Christiano James was presented with the top scorer award. He scor ed 16 goals.
“I dedicate this victory to my grandmother and mother who passed away recently. They have been very supportive of me as a teacher and hockey coach,” said Fahmi, wiping away tears during the post-match interview.
“Thank you also to MHS teachers, parents and my alumni friends who are all here on this field. They have supported the team with everything needed, including financial assistance.”
A physical education teacher at MHS since 2020, Fahmi said it was sheer handwork and dedication that saw the team pull off this victory in the final.
“We have always respected the Sabah team. They have played well throughout the league and are mentally and physically strong. It was a 50-50 chance for us in the final and I am proud of my players for holding the fort in the penalty shootout,” he added.
MHS led 1-0 courtesy of Safuan Sharudin’s fourth minute penalty corner conversion. But Sabah took control of the game in the second quarter through Elazer Brendley Elday’s equaliser in the 18th minute from a field goal. Muhammad Rafiq Raza extended the lead to 2-1 in the 24th minute from a penalty corner strike.
Muhamad Faris Lokman brought MHS back into the match with a penalty corner conversion in the 53rd minute. At the end of regulation time the two teams finished 2-2, forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
MSNS/PHS/SSMS Sabah ran out luck in the shootout as their players failed to score on four attempts. MHS’s Muhamad Naqib Asyraf and Safuwan did not miss their targets to claim victory 2-0 and steer the team to its maiden MJHL title.
Both teams will now play in the knock-out quarterfinal’s stage of the competition for the TNB Cup on July 25.
MHS will face off with Division One runners-up Anderson Thunderbolts while MSNS/PHS/SSMS Sabah will go head-to-head against Division One champions Persatuan Hoki Johor/Majlis Sukan Negeri Johor (PHJ/MSNJ).
Sabah team coach Hasrul Jideh said: “Today was not our day. But we will rise from this defeat to give a better performance in the quarterfinal against PHJ/MSNJ. The players need to recover with a good rest in the next two days. We know Johor’s strength and we will prepare for the match.”
Young Lions SSN Perlis TB defeated Negeri Sembilan 5-3 in a penalty shootout for the bronze medal after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.