KL win sixth straight title

KUALA LUMPUR snatched the MHC-MILO-NSC-MOE Natioanal-Under 14 title for the sixth time when they edged Johor 3-2 in extra time at the Seremban II Stadium yesterday.
  It was an exciting final, befitting the status of the two teams that were the most consistent teams in the tournament.
   Kuala Lumpur have been the champions since its inception in 2007, a feat that is unlikely to be matched by others for years to come.
   Kuala Lumpur took the lead in the 22nd minute through Fallah Hassan Shahrom Jamil.
   But Johor were undeterred and found the equaliser a minute before halftime via Haikal Safaruddin who converted a penalty corner.
   However despite playing better, Johor were unlucky as they failed to make use of the chances and KL went ahead once again in the 60th minute with Kavinash Panicker Thevendran finding space to slot in.
  Just when KL thought they had clinched the title, Johor found the equaliser two minutes from time through Shafiq Hassan to take the match to sudden death extra time.
   And Kuala Lumpur’s Wan Haziq Hisyamuddin scored a gem of a goal five minutes into extra time to give the city side the title.
   “We were fortunate to win as Johor finished the match stronger. I told my players at the end of regulation time to be patient and no to take risks,” said KL coach Madzli Ikmar.
   “And when the opportunity presented itself, Wan Haziq scored with a beauty. Even I could not have finished that well.
   “It is a great moment for us and retaining the trophy is always difficult. I am proud of my players.”
   In the match to determine the bronze, hosts Negri Sembilan edged Perak 3-2 in extra time.