KUCHING: Datus United Junior advanced to the final of the Under-12 Petronas Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 after a hard-fought victory at the Sarawak State Stadium on Sunday.
The team from Sri Aman had a nervy beginning but recovered to secure their place in the final, proving their resilience and determination that saw them overcome an early setback.
Head coach Mohd Zulfadzli Tahir acknowledged the team’s early nerves, with the players struggling to adjust to the high-pressure atmosphere of the State Stadium.
“We were a little anxious in the first 10 minutes, as it was our first time playing in such a large venue.
“Coming from Sri Aman, The atmosphere was very different for us,” he told Sarawak Tribune post-match yesterday.
It was only after the clock ticked a quarter into the game that Datus United Junior found their footing.
““We focused and managed to regain control
“We settled into the game, followed the coach’s instructions, and communicated better on the pitch,” Mohd Zulfadzli explained.
The match saw Datus United Junior scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute, drawing level at 1-1 with SK Semerah Padi. The game then went to penalties, where Datus United secured a hard-earned victory, securing them a spot to the final.
Looking ahead, the team is focused on refining their performance in preparation for future matches.
“We will continue to train hard, improving in all areas—from defence to attack,” the coach added.
Datus United Junior’s journey to the final has been characterised by their resilience and teamwork, and they will now aim to deliver their best performance in the upcoming final.
