NST Online: Sports

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 04:54 PM PDT

2011/09/26
By Jugjet Singh
jugjet@nst.com.my

UniKL's Arief Iskandar Khamdan (right) tries to get past TNB's Muhamad Fariq Saadon in their Premier Division match at the National Hockey Stadium yesterday. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

UNIKL spoiled the day of favourites Tenaga Nasional when they scored a last gasp equaliser for a 3-3 draw in the Premier Division of the TNB-Malaysia Hockey League at the National Stadium yesterday.

Double champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) beat the daylights out of Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS) with an eight-goal fest.

The Universiti side, parading Project 2013 players, were expected to receive a hiding from Tenaga, but they proved to be resilient.

At one point, UniKL were leading 2-0, but inexperience saw them collapse. The UniKL goals were scored by Noor Faeez Ibrahim (9th, 70th), Hafiz Zainal (25th).

Amin Rahim (26th) and Faisal Saari (48th, 69th) scored the Tenaga goals.

"It was a match that we should have won but inexperience let us down.

"However, overall, I am happy with the spirit shown by my players. They did not give up until the final whistle," said UniKL manager Amir Azhar.

UniKL could have sealed the match, but let in some easy goals.

"We let in soft goals and need to work towards tightening our defence. Getting them to play consistently throughout the match seems to be our biggest challenge but given the fact that they are showing a marked improvement in every match is a positive sign.

"I'd rather look at it as a point gained then two lost, as we were not given much of a chance before the match. And my players raised their game to match one of the favourites."

As for Maybank, who laboured to a slim 2-1 win, coach Wallace Tam said: "It was crucial to win this match as the three points are important. We lost the first two by a close margin and played well only to lose. This time around we did not play well but won, so really I cannot complain."

RESULTS -- Premier League: Maybank 2 Armed Forces Airod 1, Nur Insafi 2 UiTM 1, UniKL 3 TNB 3, YNS 0 KL Hockey Club 8.

Div One: BJSS 2 SSTMI-Thunderbolt 3, UNIMAP 2 Ipoh City Hall 3.

Football / Malaysia Cup: Maniam's bright start

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 04:51 PM PDT

2011/09/26
Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

A Selangor player (right) and a Police player tussle for the ball in their match in Paroi on Saturday.

P. MANIAM got off to a winning start as Selangor head coach when his side thrashed Police 4-1 in a Malaysia Cup Group D match in Paroi on Saturday.

The 43-year-old made tactical changes and also moved some players to unfamiliar positions which paid off as Selangor earned a timely win ahead of their crucial match against Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

Saturday's win was Selangor's second biggest victory this season, courtesy of goals from captain Amri Yahyah, Safiq Rahim, Amirulhadi Zainal and Rudie Ramli.

Selangor's new-found confidence is bad news for KL as victory tomorrow for the 32-time Malaysia Cup winners will see them take second spot behind T-Team in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.

"We won this match but it does not make us champions. I am happy to get a winning start ... it is good for the entire team as the players needed something special to boost their confidence," said Maniam yesterday.

"I experimented a lot in training and the changes paid off yesterday (Saturday). We played an attacking game to get the goals.

"However, we still have a lot to improve on. I am here to give my best and I hope the team will move forward."

Nazri Ahmad earned his first start for Selangor by filling in for injured centreback Nasriq Baharom and was part of a five-man midfield led by Safiq and Azidan Sarudin with Fadzli Saari playing along the flanks for the first time.

Maniam, who was appointed Selangor coach following K. Devan's resignation last week, however, played Amri as the sole striker.

On tomorrow's derby, Maniam said the impressive win over Police put his team in good shape for the home clash.

"We cannot sit back as we must win. KL will be tough as they are on a good run but it does not make them favourites. It is a do-or-die mission for us as anything less than a win will see us out of the quarter-finals," said the coach.

Maniam also hopes the fans will throw their support behind the team tomorrow.

"My players are eager to beat KL but to help them do that, the fans must also turn up and lend their support." he added.

Fadzli, who impressed against Police, may not play as he has picked up an injury but Nasriq and midfielder Hardi Jaafar could make the starting XI if they pass late fitness tests.

Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Ahad, 25 September 2011

NST Online: Sports

NST Online: Sports

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