KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah fought back gallantly to hold Pahang 1-1 in a Group C match of the National Under-16 tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
Last year, Sabah defeated Pahang 2-1 in the group stage, but lost 2-1 in the bronze medal playoff.
On Sunday, Hazim Mohamed Ahir gave Pahang the lead in the second minute before Ahmad Amza Masri equalised for Sabah in the 18th minute.
Sabah coach Hasrul Jideh wants more from his charges when they play KL on Monday.
On Saturday, Sabah were also held 1-1 by Kelantan.
"We have eight players from last year's side and although we have improved since finishing fourth, the other teams have also made progress.
"And after two draws, we need to beat KL in our final group match to keep our hopes alive for a medal," said Hasrul.
Kuala Lumpur lost 3-2 to Pahang on Saturday but edged Kelantan 2-1 on Sunday.
RESULTS:
Boys
Group A: Sarawak 0 Johor 2, Perak 1 Negri Sembilan 0;
Group B: Terengganu 1 Malacca 0;
Group C: Kelantan 1 Kuala Lumpur 2, Pahang 1 Sabah 1.
Girls
Group A: Negri Sembilan 1 Pahang 8;
Group C: Terengganu 1 Selangor 1, Johor 0 Perak 0.
FIXTURES
Monday
Boys
Group A: Perlis v Negri Sembilan (8pm, Pitch I), Sarawak v Perak (8pm, Pitch II);
Group B: Penang v Malacca (9.15pm, Pitch I);
Group C: Kuala Lumpur v Sabah (6.45pm, Pitch I), Kelantan v Pahang (6.45pm, Pitch II).
Girls
Group A: Negri Sembilan v Perlis (8.45am, Pitch I), Kuala Lumpur v Pahang (10am, Pitch II).
Group B: Sarawak v Penang (7.30am, Pitch I), Sabah v Malacca (8.45am, Pitch II).
* matches at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil