By Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
KUCHING, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Selangor made history by winning the first-ever gold medal in women's football at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), stunning heavy favourites Sabah 3-1 in a final that was rescheduled from last night at the State Stadium here today.
However, it was Sabah who drew first blood when captain Azzlyeanieh Kinuli scored off a corner kick in the 11th minute.
Selangor, managed by former Malaysia U-17 coach Osmera Omaro, was not prepared to roll over though. The ‘Red Giants’ equalised just six minutes later when forward Nur Adrienna Zamzaihiri converted a cross in the 17th minute.
Sensing that they were now within a chance of creating history, Selangor went on the offensive and their foray into the opposition half were rewarded after forward Nurin Umairah Abdul Manan gave the team the lead through a cross that Sabah custodian Michelyne Reson made a mess of.
Six minutes later, Selangor added the icing to the cake with a third goal from midfielder Ayuna Anjani Lamsin, who smartly ran onto a beautiful pass from a teammate in the 54th minute, sealing the 3-1 victory.
The final, originally scheduled for last night, was postponed to this afternoon due to heavy rain that caused the pitch to be waterlogged.
Pahang are the bronze medallists after defeating the Federal Territories 3-1 on Wednesday.
-- BERNAMA
