Terengganu hockey girls edge Sarawak 2-1

Terengganu got the first goal via Nurul Syafiqah Abdullah in the 18th minute before Nurul Najah Farhani Abd Rashid doubled the score via a penalty corner six minutes later.

Playing in front of cheerful home supporters, Sarawak managed to reduce the deficit via a fast attack when Suhaila Sata scored a field goal at the end of first half.

Commenting on the win, Terengganu coach Musa Nordin praised his girls for putting up a great fight against the home side despite the scorching weather.

"The weather was too hot and affected the rhythm of the game. We are here on a mission to bring home the gold medal. Our next challenge is defending champion Federal Territory," he told Bernama after the match.

Meanwhile, Sarawak coach C. Sivasubramaniam said lack of experience caused his girls to be toothless in front of goal despite having many chances to score, including seven penalty corners.

"Most of the Sarawak players are new and the strikers lack experience. For experience, they have to go to Kuala Lumpur or play against the men's team.

"Sarawak hockey lacks progress as the players have to come from the interior. This is unlike the Terengganu players have been in continuous training and have wide experience," he added.

In addition, Sarawak has only three hockey stadiums, all located in Kuching. They are Jalan Padungan Hockey Stadium, SMK Paku Hockey Stadium in Bau and State Hockey Stadium in Petra Jaya.