KUALA LUMPUR: It is do-or-die now for Perlis after a 3-0 loss to Perak in the TNB-1Mas Under-14 Championships at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
The northerners have no choice but to beat Kuala Lumpur, the only other team in Group X, to keep their chances of securing a spot in the final alive.
The competition is now at the semi-final stage with only two groups, Group X and Group Y, remaining in the main competition. Group Y comprises Sabah, Johor and Pahang.
Perlis coach Nazrin Saidon is optimistic his charges will deliver against KL.
"I believe we will be able to bounce back," said Nazrin.
"At this stage of the tournament all the teams are closely balanced and we have a 50-50 chance.
“We have played KL before and have beaten them. We can do it again although this is their home ground.”
All three of Perak's goals came via penalty corners with Aiman Safwan Abdullah opening the scoring in the 21st minute followed by a brace from Mohammad Haikal Azeem Rozainii in the 25th and 37th.
Nazrin attributed Perlis' loss to a lack of experience at this level.
"This is the first time we have made it to this stage so the boys were a bit nervous. We have our chances but could not take them, we just showed them too much respect."
Perlis will play KL tomorrow while Group Y will see Sabah and Johor facing off.