MSSM Hockey: Rifhan steers KL past defending champions Penang

Rifhan Azhar scored a golden goal in the 65th minute to steer Kuala Lumpur to a 3-2 win over defending champions Penang in the boys’ Under-18 semi-finals of the National Schools Sports Council (MSSM) hockey championships at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The match had to be decided in sudden-death extra-time after both the teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time.

Penang twice led through Ahmad Termidzi (14th) and Fadzly Shah (42nd) but Kuala Lumpur managed to equalise through Hafizul Nizam (35th) and Shukri Johar (57th).

Rifhan then scored the brilliant winner to lead KL into the final against Selangor today.

Selangor, who edged Pahang 2-1 in the other semi-final, went ahead in the second minute through Mohd Nur Faez. Pahang equalised three minutes later through Fitri Manan but Faridzul Afiq got Selangor’s winning goal in the 11th minute.

KL coach Lokman Yahaya was delighted with his team’s good performance against Penang.

“They played well and I am confident they will put up a good fight in the final,” he said.

> Today’s matches

Boys

Third placing: Penang v Pahang (8am, Pitch 1).

Final: Selangor vs K. Lumpur (9.30am, Pitch 1)

Girls

Third placing: Kedah vs Terengganu (8am, Pitch 2).

Final: Perak vs Penang (9.30am, Pitch 2).

(All matches at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil)