Pahang will take on Armed Forces after both teams safely negotiated their way past their semi final opponents in the 5th Raja Noora Ashikin Cup 2011 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil this morning.
Pahang defeated PDRM 4-0 while Armed Forces disposed off KL Sukma 4-1 on the adjacent pitch.
This will be Pahang's first appearance in the final of the RNA Cup since its inception in 2000. Their best finish has been a third spot in 2005.
They were surprisingly given a tough time by PDRM especially in the first half but eventually prevailed, scoring four in the next 35 minutes.
"We knew it was a matter of time before we could break down their defence and it was all the matter of being patient and getting the first goal," said Pahang coach C. Sreedharan.
"Now that we are in the final, we aim to win the title. But it will not be easy as ATM have been improving from match to match.
"Still I feel we have players that will turn the tide in our favour and winning our group match 1-0 has given my players a psychological boost."
Pahang opened scoring in the 46th minute through a penalty corner converted by Fazilla Syvester Silin. And they doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute, this time Nuraini Abd Rashid finding the mark.
With PDRM running out of steam and time Pahang managed to squeeze in two more goals, through skipper Nor Hasliza Md Ali (65th minute) and Nuraini (69th minute) for an emphatic win.
In the other semi final match, ATM were far the superior side, dominating much of the match. But credit must be given to the KL Sukma youngsters who just refused to be cowed in by the reputation and experience of their opponents.
Skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman started the ball rolling by scoring in the 25th minute. And a minute before the halftime hooter, ATM doubled their advantage as Siti Rodiah Tumin scored.
Izzuin Ismail sent an unstoppable drag flick high into the roof of the KL Sukma goal from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to make it 3-0 before Nadia scored the fourth in the 55th minute.
KL Sukma scored a consolation in the 65th minute via Zhulaili Zakaria in the 65h minute.
Results:
Semi Finals
Pahang 4 PDRM 0
ATM 4 KL Sukma 1
Fixtures - Saturday, November 26, 2011
3/4th Placing
1600H- KL Sukma v PDRM
Final
1800H - Pahang v Armed Forces
(Live on Astro Arena CH801)
Both matches at Pitch 2 National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil)
