SUKMA: Sarawak Beat Pahang In Futsal 

KUCHING, August 14 (Bernama) -- Hosts Sarawak capitalised on home advantage to register a 3-2 victory over Pahang in the second Group B match in the futsal competition.

In the action at the Kota Samarahan Indoor Stadium, near here, Sarawak, coached by Faizal Zamri, took an early lead with goals from Mohammad Nazir Mahdini and Asyraff Zakaris, both in the third minute.

The cheers from the home crowd fueled Sarawak's spirit, leading to a third goal in the seventh minute, leaving Pahang scoreless by the end of the first half.

In the second half, Pahang, playing their first match of the tournament, mounted attacks and were rewarded when Muhammad Syazwan Mohd Zukri scored their first goal in the 28th minute.

Muhammad Syazwan scored again in the 34th minute, but the prowess of the home team could not be denied, and Pahang had to settle for a 2-3 defeat to Sarawak.

In another Group B match, Johor failed to earn any points after suffering a second consecutive defeat, losing 3-4 to Perak.

Earlier, in Group A action, the Federal Territories (WiPers), who arrived in Sarawak with the mission of defending their futsal title, had a rocky start, losing 1-2 to Penang.

Penang netted the first goal in the 11th minute through captain Faris Humaidi Hussaini. The WiPers equalised four minutes later thanks to an own goal by opposing player, Muhamad Aidid Alfian Zainol Bharin.

Eager to make up for their opening Group A match defeat yesterday, Penang intensified their attacks, and Muhamad Aidid Alfian scored in the 23rd minute to secure victory for his team.

In another match in the same group, Terengganu maintained their impressive form by edging Sabah 3-2.

-- BERNAMA