Sukma XXI: Sabah to face Federal Territories in women’s football semis

KUCHING (Aug 19): Sabah defeated Pahang in a specially held penalty shootout 5-4 to secure top placing in Group A of the women’s football competition.

The penalty shootout was held after Sabah and Pahang concluded the group fixtures on Sunday with identical statistics.

With the win, Sabah will face Group B runner-up Federal Territories while Pahang to take on Group B winners Selangor at the State Stadium on Tuesday.

Head coach Petronella Douny was pleased with the outcome, although she would have been fine which ever team Sabah were to face in the semifinals.

“I have no preference which team we will face in the semifinal…all I know is that we have qualified and that is the most important thing.

“Every team must have their own strength to go this far in the tournament and we must be ready for any challenges,” she said.

Meanwhile, Petronella will have her best players to face the Federal Territories.

“There’s no suspension and while several players are carrying some knocks, it’s not serious.

“They should be able to recover in time and be available and ready for the game,”added Petronella.