THIRD BEST: A Sarawak player shoots past Selangor’s players during their match at the National Sports Stadium (Panasonic) in Shah Alam. — Photos by Chimon Upon
KUALA LUMPUR: A spirited Sarawak held off Selangor’s relentless attacks to add another bronze medal to their tally when they won an exciting third-fourth play-off in the men’s futsal competition at the National Sports Stadium (Panasonic) in Shah Alam yesterday.
Sarawak led 5-3 at half-time but Selangor turned the tables with three goals seven minutes into the second half to lead 6-5.
Ronald Dennis turned the hero when he equalised for Sarawak with a well-taken penalty kick, following up moments later with a brilliant shot to seal the match 7-6.
Sarawak’s other goals came from Awangku Mohd Fazzrin Awang Mortadza who scored a hat-trick while Ismail Ahmad hit a double.
Earlier in the semi-final, Sarawak were beaten 3-1 by Johor.
On Tuesday night, they beat Perlis 5-2 in the quarter-finals.
Team manager Poasa Majais was happy the team was able to contribute a bronze medal to Sarawak’s medal haul.
“We succeeded in meeting our target. It’s a good result, considering we were taking part in the event for the first time,” he said.
Poasa felt Sarawak could have beaten Johor in the last four to enter the final. “Our boys focused too much on defence. They should have attacked more against Johor who I think were not that strong.”
The team was coached by Mohamad Mantali.