KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang advanced to the girls’ final of the National Under-16 Championships after notching a comfortable 3-0 over last year’s runners-up Sabah at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
The east coast side netted through Nur Shazwani Zakaria, Nur Aimi Rifqah Anuar and Zati Alyani Zubir.
"It is a great achievement to reach the final considering that we finished seventh last year,” said Pahang coach Sabri Mohamad.
Pahang will play Kuala Lumpur for the title on Saturday. KL edged Melaka 2-1 in another match to earn a crack at the title.
The final is expected to be a balanced affair as both teams drew 2-2 earlier in the competition.
"We have a lot of respect for KL as they are the defending champions," said Sabri.
"I believe both teams have an equal chance to win it. We will, however, have to be careful as KL are good in tactical play."
Results
Group X: Pahang 3 Sabah 0
Group Y: Kuala Lumpur 2 Melaka 1
7th-9th place playoff: Perak 3 Penang 3
10th-12th playoff: Selangor 2 Sarawak 0.