Tengku Ahmad’s stroke of brilliance does it for UniKL
UniKL 1 TNB 0
Tengku Ahmad Tajudddin Tengku Abdul Jalil’s stroke penalty in the fourth quarter gave UniKL an advantage which recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over TNB in the first semi-final of the TNB 2021 Cup at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium.
As the match seemed to end without any goal, UniKL launched a quick counter-attack from below through a long push which was neatly greeted by Pavandip Singh before being crashed into the TNB goal area in the 56th minute.
The referee without hesitation awarded a stroke penalty and the advantage was completed by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin through an easy push to the right past TNB goalkeeper, Che Sharul Asmi Che Saupi.
The victory will definitely give a little psychological advantage to UniKL which is expected to face more intense opposition in the second semi -final this Wednesday.
Although the game looked balanced, TNB was seen to be more in control of the movement with runs and dangerous attempts including an open chance in front of goal from Muhajir Abd Rauf in the third quarter.
The first three quarters saw both teams deadlocked without a goal despite counter-attacking each other.
The pattern of the game was much tidier with a fort that was difficult to penetrate, especially the excellent performance of their second goalkeeper Che Sharul who managed to deny several attempts that UniKL’s attacking line such as Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Pavandip and national fliker, Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim.
THT 2 – 0 Maybank
The goals of Shello Silverius and Mohd Fitri Saari in each half overcame Maybank’s challenge 2-0 in the first semi-final tonight gave THT quite a comfortable supply to advance to the final of the TNB Cup 2021.
Shello scored from the field movement in the 22nd minute while Fitri Saari ensured victory for the former 5-time champion to be taken to the second semi-final on Wednesday.
However, Maybank is not an easy opponent because THT had to exert their strength at the maximum level to score the opponent’s goal.
Maybank, which is showing improvement, displayed a neat game pattern but THT led by top scorer Faizal Saari in the front row always moved fast to try to break through Maybank’s fortifications.
Even with the advantage of two goals, THT still can not breathe a sigh of relief because the remaining 60 minutes of the game on Wednesday is able to present various possibilities.
THT coach, K. Rajan was satisfied with the performance of his players but considered that the two goals scored were still uncomfortable and not a big advantage.
“The game is not over yet and we will review the video game after this to improve any weaknesses,” he explained.
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Semi -Final 2 (31 March)
Maybank vs THT (6pm) NHS 1
TNB vs UniKL (8 pm) NHS 1
