Terengganu warded off a strong challenge from Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in an exciting 13-goal thriller to register an 8-5 victory in the TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup 2024 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium. Johor Bahru.
The east coast state rode on the strength of 10 senior players that included current national outfits such as the Saari siblings Faizal and Fitri, Syarman Mat Tee, Muhammad Akhimullah Anuar Esook, goalkeeper Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris, and Nik Muhamad Aiman Nik Rozemi to name a few.
They also had the services of eight Under-21 age group players against PDRM whose strength was partially fractured by the absence of a number of senior players, including penalty corner specialist Muhammad Razie Rahim who could get released due to work commitments.
Today’s victory was Terengganu’s second straight win after defeating the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) 3-1 earlier.
Both teams started on the front foot but it was Terengganu, who first won the cup in 2012 and repeated that feat in 2016, who went for quick goals.
Drag-flick specialist Faizal Saari netted five goals – four of which came from penalty corner conversions and a fifth via a field goal. Midfielder Muhammad Adam Haiqal contributed two goals, and Muhammad Akhimullah Anuar Esook scored one.
The men in blue lost their opening match on Wednesday 1-2 against Negeri Sembilan, led by national senior team captain Marhan Jalil.
However, today’s encounter was a battle of character. The second, third and fourth quarters saw Police apply pressure early on and it proved crucial. Muhamad Rahimi Iskandar scored a hat-trick (19th, 30th and 40th minutes), while Muhammad Najme Ahmad Hayazi and Mohamad Khairul Anuar scored a piece in the 54th and 58th minutes.
Terengganu top the Pool B standings with six points on a better goal difference than Perak, also with six points.
“We are giving a lot of chances to the Under-21 players by rotating the seniors frequently in the match. We have our strategy as the Under-21 players will form the backbone of the team in the future,” said Terengganu manager Cikgu Irawan Jusoh.
“I am happy that we played well against PDRM, who are among the strongest teams in the tournament. It was a tough game. We will continue to face more tough matches as we move forward and today’s experience was good for the younger players,” he added.
In other matches played today, Kuala Lumpur upset Singapore 7-0, Pahang overcame Perlis 7-2, Johor edged Penang 3-0, Perak defeated Negeri Sembilan 2-1, and Sabah celebrated a 2-1 victory over Malacca.