Sukma women’s football opening match: Sabah and Pahang share points, Selangor thrash Federal Territories

KUCHING (Aug 14): The hopes of favourites Sabah to make a perfect start were dashed as they only managed a 1-1 draw against Pahang in the opening match of Group A of the women’s football competition at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) here today.

In the action at the Sarawak Stadium, both teams traded attacks but failed to score until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Pahang opened the scoring with winger Zarith Sofea Nor Azri finding the net in the 79th minute.

However, the excitement of Mohd Zerry Nazeri’s squad was cut short when Sabah equalised in the dying minutes of the game through a fine finish by Rocillyeka Lole in the 90th minute.

When met by reporters after the match, Mohd Zerry urged his players to be more focused when they face the host team, Sarawak, in their second group match this Friday.

Sabah’s head coach, Petronella Douny said her players will improve their finishing to secure a win when they face Sarawak in their second Group A match on Aug 19.

“We have not faced the host team before, but we are definitely aiming for a win to brighten our chances of advancing to the next round,” she said.

Meanwhile, Group B action saw Selangor thrash the Federal Territories (WiPers) 6-0 in the match played at Field D, Petra Jaya.

Penang, also in the same group, are scheduled to face the WiPers this Friday and Selangor on Aug 18. – Bernama