MSSM Hockey: Gritty KL clinch boys’ title with late penalty conversion

Kuala Lumpur captured the boys’ Under-18 National Schools Sports Council (MSSM) hockey title in dramatic fashion at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Trailing twice, Kuala Lumpur hit back to finally seal a 3-2 victory over Selangor with a last-minute penalty converted by Mohd Yusof Mat Nor.

Mohd Nor Faez Ibrahim, named man-of-the-final, had put Selangor ahead in the ninth minute through a penalty corner set-piece.

Kuala Lumpur, who dethroned Penang by a similar score in the semi-finals on Friday, then equalised through Mohd Faizal Nizam through penalty corner set piece in the 22nd minute.

Selangor shot ahead again in the 50th minute, this time through a Shahrul Dennis Roslan Henry field goal.

Kuala Lumpur hit back just two minutes later, thanks to a Mohd Shamin Yusof field goal.

The city lads continued to surge forward in search of the winning goal and their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty stroke after Mohd Shamin was fouled in the final minute.

Up stepped Mohd Yusof to do the job.

Kuala Lumpur coach Lokman Yahya was happy with the fighting spirit shown by his players despite having to play in the hot weather. The game started at 9.30am.

“We were trailing twice but my players fought for every ball to win the match.

“I want to praise my players for their determination and commitment,” said Lokman.

“They have not had any rest since the tournament started on Tuesday and they had to play six matches in five days. It definitely took a toll on my players.”

In the fight for third place, Penang went on a rampage to hammer Pahang 6-0.

Penang gained some consolation in the girls’ final when they edged Perak 2-1.

> > ROLL OF HONOUR

n BOYS

Best Player of the Tournament: Ahmad Termizi Ismail (Pen)

Man of the Final: Mohd Nor Faez Ibrahim (Sel)

Best Goalkeeper: Shahrul Azuddin Aliskarzie (Kul)

Top Scorer: Mohd Firhan Ashaari (Ter – seven)

n GIRLS

Best Player of the Tournament: Siti Nuruhade Sadri (Pen)

Man of the Final: Rashidah Mahmud (Prk)

Best Goalkeeper: Masturah Jalah (Mal)

Top Scorers: Nur Izwan Ahmad Tajuddin (Pen) and Nursuhaili Sapie (Ter – seven)