Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) brushed aside a strong challenge from Malacca Old Ladies HC (MOLHC) to win 4-2 in the final of the 2024 Malaysian Indoor Hockey League at the IOI Sports Arena Putrajaya today.
DBKL clinched the title for the third time since 2021 against the same opponent in the final.
“It was a tough match today. It is never easy to win a championship and even tougher to defend the title,” said DBKL coach and former national player Nuraini Abdul Rashid.
“Malacca proved to be strong opponent and this win did not come easy for us. We worked hard. I thank the players for defending and attacking well throughout the four quarters. It was a close match and I am excited winning the title for the third time,” she added.
DBKL went ahead 3-0 with goals from Iren Hussin (12th), Surizan Awang Noh (14th) and Wan Norfaiezah Mohd Saiuti (18th).
Malacca Old Ladies gave an inspiring performance in the third quarter and surprised their more illustrious opponent who have the service of several former and current national players in the side.
Norshafiqha Ishak and Liyana Qilah Mohd Sepawi reduced the deficit to 2-3 for Malacca with field goals in the 30th and 34th minutes but their challenge fizzled with four minutes to the end of regulation time when Fazilla Sylvester Silin extended DBKL’s lead to 4-2 in the 36th minute via a penalty corner conversion.
Malacca Old Ladies captain Nur Aisyah Yaacob, said: “We knew from the beginning we are up against a strong side. DBKL have always been tough team and they played with the same players in three editions.”
“It is just unfortunate we were not able to score more goals in the fourth quarter to force the game into a draw. But, nevertheless, I am happy for the players gave their best. We trained together once a week and on other days we do our own fitness programme,” she added.