KUCHING: Defending champions Terengganu suffered an early blow after losing 0-1 to Johor in the opening Group B action of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) men’s football competition played at the Zaidi Adruce Stadium in Sibu yesterday.
Johor skipper Ahmad Aysar Hadi Mohd Shapri emerged as his team’s hero when he scored the winning goal in the 61st minute, thus giving the Gonzalo Sanz Zaballos coached squad a perfect start ahead of their match against Sabah tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the defeat puts Terengganu, led by Subri Sulong, in danger as they face a must-win mission to advance to the knockout round when facing Sabah in the last match on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Federal Territories defeated four-time champions Pahang 1-0 in a game that they dominated in a Group D clash at the Mukah Stadium.
The winning goal for Federal Territory, coached by Mohd Nidzamadzka Yusoff, was scored by striker Abdul Afiq Hilman Abdul Halim in the 54th minute.
Hosts Sarawak failed to use home ground advantage to their favour, going down 0-1 at the hands of four-time champions Perak in another Group D match at the Dalat and Mukah District Council Field (MDDM).
Last edition’s runners-up Penang and Melaka had to be contended with taking home a point each after playing to a goalless draw in Group C at the Bintulu Stadium.
In a Group A match, two-time champions Selangor defeated Negri Sembilan 2-0 at the Azman Hashim Stadium in Sibu.
The men’s football competition which is the earliest event to open the Games will continue until Aug 24. The opening ceremony will take place on Aug 17. — Bernama
