KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor have retained the Malaysian Games (Sukma) women’s football gold medal after beating Sabah 2-0 at the Selayang Stadium here on Wednesday (Aug 19).
The 2024 gold medallists, led by coach Osmera Omaro, had the most possession and created several chances, but Sabah had some potent counter-attacks, which could have seen them score a goal or two, but were nullified by the brilliance of Selangor goalkeeper Daiyana Wardina Mohd Rosli.
Selangor drew first blood in the 41st minute when winger S. Thivashini outmuscled two defenders and laid a pass to striker Tegen Su-Yin Butler, who tapped the ball past Sabah goalkeeper Nursyaqilah Tasha Barahim.
Tegen could have added another in the 50th minute when she was a beneficiary of a superb team passing movement, but her left-footed shot went wide.
Selangor continued their dominance with some fine passing movements and had about three to four chances to score but Nursyaqilah was able to thwart them.
The Thiva-Tegen duo were at it again when Thivashini dribbled past two players and tapped the ball into the path of the net, which was finished off by Tegen in the 67th minute. It was Tegen’s sixth goal of the tournament.
Selangor were able to hold on to their lead as they now hope their men’s team can get to the final and win the gold on Sunday.
