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.

Malaysia beat Poland 4-0

MALAYSIA polished off Poland 4-0 in their opening Champions Challenge match in Buenos Aires, Argentina yesterday.
   And their next opponents are mighty South Korea, ranked No 7, who beat Canada 2-0.
   Malaysia laid their claim for three points early in the match when Razie Rahim converted a penalty corner in the fourth minute of the match.
  Poland then tired to make a comeback and went all out but couldn't challenge the team ranked six spots above them, at No 13 in the world.
  In a rather fiercely challenged and rather physical 70 minutes, Malaysia was the more energetic and better organised side and dominated proceedings.
   And after Razies' early penalty corner, it was Nabil Fiqri's turn  to tuck away a field attempt in the 30th minute.
  And after the restart, Malaysia benefited from an own goal in the 42nd  minute, and Razie score his second and Malaysi's fourth off a 63rd minute penalty corner attempt.
  Malaysian coach Paul Revington said: "We fielded some young players and they played very well today (Saturday). It was also our first opportunity to play as a team, and we knew we will face a tough and competitive side, and so Im very happy with the scoreline."
   Poland coach Karol Sniezek said: “It was tough game. The first match is really important because a good result is necessary to motivate the team. That’s why I congratulate Malaysia on winning the game.
  "They started in a good way (early goal). Our goal is of course to classify for the Champions Trophy, and like everybody knows, the first three games are not so important.
  "Even if you finish your pool in fourth place, you can go on to the quarter-finals. The chances to classify are open, and we want to improve our game match by match."
  As for South Korea, Jang Jong Hyun's brace in penalty coreners was enough to beat Canada 2-0.
  RESULTS: Group A: Malaysia 4 Poland 0, South Korea 2 Canada 0.
 Group B: Argentina 4 Ireland 3, South Africa 4 Japan 4.  
  FIXTURES: Malaysia v South Korea (12midnight, SUNDAY).