Sunday, August 16, 2009

Malacca in hunt for final ticket

MALACCA placed themselves in contention to play in the final when they beat Kuala Lumpur 3-2 in Division One of the Razak Cup yesterday.
Malacca, who top the standings on eight points, only have a weak Negri Sembilan to beat tomorrow and then wrap up their fixtures against Project 2013 on Wednesday.
Yesterday, the Malacca goals were scored by B. Namasivayam (24th), Nor Ikram Sulaiman (33rd) and Ahmad Anuar (39th). The KL goals were delivered by Sallehin Ghani (16th) and M. Kaliswaran (64th).
"We have a good chance of playing in the final after beating Kuala Lumpur, however, we need to secure at least three more points in our remaining two matches," said Malacca coach K. Balakrishnan.
And the coach is cautious of his next match, even though Negri Sembilan has been at the receiving end so far.
"Negri has hit a bad patch in this tournament, but still, we can't take them lighgtly as they have many experienced players who can turn the tide is we lose our grip," said Balakrishnan.
Project 2013, who rested yesterday, will face Johor today and Penang tomorrow -- where they are expected to be tested to the limit.
In another Division One match, Johor beat Perak 2-1 to keep their hopes of playting in the final alive. Johor are tied on seven points with the Project boys.
Perak took the lead in the ninth minute when Azlan Misron scored a field goal, but two penalty corner strikes by Junior World Cup player Nor Hafiq Ghaffar in the 63rd and 65th minutes handed Johor three points.