Host Johor gave a clinical performance to beat Pahang 2-0 today and, in the process, consolidated their entry into the semifinals of the TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup at the Johor Hockey Stadium, Taman Daya, Johor Bahru.
It was a clash between the top two sides in the men’s Group A standings in this penultimate match of their preliminary round.
Johor had the advantage in the first quarter when 18-year-old Nischal Singh, the youngest son of Speedy Tigers head coach Sarjit Singh, opened the scoring for them 10 minutes into the game from a field goal.
National senior team player Faiz Helmi Jeli then converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute with a powerful drag flick to extend the score to 2-0.
Pahang threatened to make a comeback several times but could not find the goals despite constantly intruding into Johor’s 25-yard line and earning a couple of penalty corner opportunities.
Apart from the tight defence, goalkeeper Muhammad Fahmi Zakaria proved to be a major stumbling block to Pahang with his many heroic acts.
In another match, Penang defeated Singapore 4-0.
Johor climbed to the top of the standings with 13 points, with a game a hand against cannon-fodder Singapore tomorrow. Pahang are in second spot on 12 points, and Kuala Lumpur third place with 11 points. Pahang and Kuala Lumpur will battle tomorrow for the second semi-final slot in the group.
Kuala Lumpur came back from a 1-2 deficit to secure a convincing 4-2 victory over Selangor. Fariezs Aqif Mohd Saidi (21st) and Muhamad Hafiz Zainol (43rd) scored for Selangor. KL replied through Daniel Ashraf (45th, 55th), Shafiq Adam Harriss (55th) and Irfan Raziq Syaqir (57th).
In Group B, Terengganu are through to the semifinals on 15 points after five matches with a game in hand against Sabah tomorrow which concludes their pool matches.
Unbeaten Perak were held to a 2-2 draw by Malacca, their first of the tournament. Perak are in second spot on 10 points. A win over PDRM tomorrow will put them through to the semi-finals.
In late night matches, Sabah won 6-0 against Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) derailed Negeri Sembilan’s hopes following a 4-1 victory.
All four teams are out of the running for semifinals slots.