Sabah’s hockey lasses bring back Razak Cup
Published on: Monday, October 23, 2023
By: GL Oh
Anil (back 4th right) and Hasrul (3rd right) with the players after the prize presentation on Saturday.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah hockey girls created history when they won the women’s title in the Razak Cup tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
They edged Selangor 2-1 in the final to take home the cup for the very first time.
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Despite being in the final for the very first time, the girls did not show any sign of nerves right from the start.
However, they were caught by surprise in the fourth minute when Selangor took the lead from a penalty corner converted by Ellya Amanina Ellias.
They maintained their aggressive play after the setback and were rewarded after 22-year-old Nor Asfarina Isahyifiqa scored the equaliser with a well-executed reverse shot.
The winning goal came in the 38th minute from 19-year-old Cyrachilld Rojos and in spite of Selangor’s flurry of attacks late in the match, 19-year-old goalkeeper, Sazanianie Sabinus was able to make several crucial saves to deny them.
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Nor Asfarina was also named player of the match after the final.
Sabah coach Hasrul Jideh was pleased the girls’ managed to fulfil his early pledge to bring the trophy back to Sabah for the first time.
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“It was a disciplined display from all the players. Despite falling behind by an early goal, they fought back to equalise and ultimately win the match.
“There is a great future for this team as many of them are young, and I believe they can only improve with time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Hockey Association president Dato Seri Anil Jeet Singh hopes the historic feat will see more financial support from the state government.
“We are very proud of the girls for winning the Razak Cup for the very first time and I hope the state government will assist us more following this success.
“I believe with more financial support, we could have sent our men’s team as well, and they could have at least made it to the semi-final stage,” he said.
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