KUALA LUMPUR: KL saved their best for the last to secure a semi-final spot in the TNB-Women’s Razak Cup by recording a comprehensive 8-1 win over Indonesia in a Group A match at KLHA Stadium in Pantai on Wednesday.
Nur Zafirah Aziz was the toast with four goals (fifth, eighth, 27th and 48th minutes) to take her tally to six goals in the tournament.
Nur Suraya Ashikin (26th), Shahiera Syazreen Mohd Saiful (24th), Norazlin Sumantri (33rd) and Nurrobaitu Norhisham (36th) completed the rout.
Indonesia replied through Ira Fabrianti Juarsyi in the 49th minute for her team’s first goal in the tournament.
In another group match, Perak defeated Terengganu 3-0 courtesy of goals by Liyana Aqilah Mohd Sepawi (25th), Norbaini Hashim (49th) and Amira Natasha Abu Hussain (59th).
KL, Terengganu and Perak completed Group A with six points each. However, Pahang and KL made the semi-final cut on goal difference.
“It was a good turnaround today. We finally found our scoring touch after failing to convert chances in our earlier matches.
“The players were instructed to net as many goals and they did so. It is heartening to see the team giving full commitment as we needed a big win to qualify for the semi-finals,” said KL coach Badrul Hisham.
KL will take on Group B champions Selangor in the semi-finals on Friday.
Selangor thrashed Johor 5-1 in their final group game.
Nurul Safiqah Mat Isa (26th), Eilya Fateha Eillias (27th), Nor Afira Mohamad Ismail (34th), Raja Norsharina Raja Shabuddin (42nd) and Fatin Shafikah Mohd Sukri (55th) scored for the Klang Valley side.
Johor netted through Hanis Nadia Onn (52nd).
“We just played a free flowing game and the goals came easily. Frankly, I was surprised to see the way the girls played in the match.
“I hope they will continue this momentum in the semi-finals,” said Selangor coach, Ikmal Abdul Jabar.
Last year’s runners-up Armed Forces will play defending champions Pahang in the other semi-final following a 1-0 win over Melaka.
Forward Siti Rahman Othman scored the winning goal in the 51t minute from a penalty corner.
Results
Group A: Perak 3 Terengganu 0, Kuala Lumpur 8 Indonesia 1
Group B: Melaka 0 Armed Forces 1, Johor 1 Selangor 5
Fixtures
Thursday
Classification matches
Perak v Melaka (4pm)
Johor v Terengganu (6.30pm)
Friday
Semi-finals
Pahang v Armed Forces (4pm)
Selangor v Kuala Lumpur (6.30pm)