Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Sukma squad got off the mark with a 1-1 draw against Mutiara Impian-MSSPP-PSHA in the TNB Malaysia Hockey League at the Likas Hockey Pitch on Tuesday.
Nor Asfarina Isahyifiqa Isahhidun saved Sabah the blushes when she struck the equaliser in the 37th minute after the visitors had taken a surprise lead in the third minute through Allisya Yushira Badri.
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The home side looked tired in the latter period but managed to frustrate the Penang side’s many attempts at goal with well organised defensive play.
It was the first point for both teams following their opening losses with Sabah losing to Terengganu Ladies HT 0-3 while their opponents were thrashed 0-7 by PDRM Blue Warriors.
The Sabah women’s team represented by the Johor Sukma Games bound players are making their debut in the league this season.
Sabah Hockey Association President Dato’ Sri (Dr) Anil Jeet Singh had earlier stated that no specific target will be set for the team.
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He believed by playing against some of the teams powered by foreign and national players in the league will be beneficial for the players in preparation for the Sukma Games in July this year.
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According to him, the main target is for the team to hit top form in July for the Johor Games.
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Meanwhile, Sabah’s next match is against Hockey Academy of KL on Saturday (Jan 18), followed by PKS Uniten (Jan 21) and PDRM Blue Warriors (Feb 1) with all matches to be played at home.
