KOTA SAMARAHAN: The final of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) futsal tournament delivered intense drama as Selangor secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over host team Sarawak.
The anticipated final was held at the Kota Samarahan Indoor Stadium today (Aug 23).
The game got off to a rapid start when Selangor’s Danish Faiz Hashim found the back of the net just moments after kick-off, putting Sarawak on the defensive.
The pace of the game intensified, with both sides battling fiercely for possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
However, Sarawak suffered an early setback in the 10th minute as player number 10, Awang Irfan Syahreeza Awang Ahmad, had to be stretchered off due to an injury.
Sarawak then made a crucial goalkeeper substitution in the 11th minute, replacing Mohammad Syukimi Farizan, who had been dealing with a previous injury, with Muhammad Hakkim Akmal Muhammad Ayub.
Despite this shift, the game remained highly competitive, with both teams exchanging a flurry of attempts.
Sarawak called for a timeout in the 14th minute to regroup and focus on breaking Selangor’s defence.
However, even after a powerful shot from Sarawak’s Radziman Radzuan in the 16th minute, Selangor’s keeper Muhammad Addin Naufal Rahmad stood tall, denying the home team an equaliser.
The first half ended in controversy as Sarawak captain Mohamad Azrin Shahmin Jefery received a yellow card for arguing a referee’s decision.
Selangor’s number 18, Zulkifli Abu Hassan Zali, was also shown yellow for a separate incident.
Sarawak had a free-kick opportunity in the closing moments, but the captain’s strike was parried away by the resilient Selangor defence.
In the second half, Sarawak came out firing, launching relentless attacks on Selangor’s goal.
A free kick in the early minute nearly resulted in a goal, with Sarawak’s Mohamad Zainulariffin Mohd Zain, coming agonisingly close to levelling the score.
However, the shot drifted just wide of the post.
Selangor’s defence held firm despite Sarawak’s repeated attempts.
Mohammad Safiq Hamzah almost equalised in the 27th minute, only to be thwarted by Selangor’s goalkeeper, who continued to show incredible form.
Selangor, meanwhile, mounted counterattacks, and in the 30th minute, Sarawak’s keeper made a crucial save to keep the deficit at one.
Selangor extended their lead in the final three minutes, with player number 11, Ahmed Haziq Haikal, scoring a decisive goal.
Despite several more free kicks awarded to Sarawak, they were unable to break through Selangor’s rock-solid defence.
In the end, Selangor’s defensive prowess and clinical finishing proved too much for Sarawak, as they clinched a 2-0 victory to be crowned champions.
With this win, Selangor takes home the futsal gold, while Sarawak proudly brings home the silver for their spirited performance in front of their home crowd.
Perak secured the bronze medal after defeated Pulau Pinang 5-3 in an earlier match.
