KUALA LUMPUR: Goalkeeper Rafaizul Saini was the hero for Perak in their 4-3 penalty shootout victory over the Federal Territories, securing a spot in the Malaysia Games men's hockey final.
Rafaizul blocked two penalty attempts in the shootout after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time at Padungan Hockey Stadium today.
Perak will face defending champions Pahang, who defeated Terengganu 4-1, in tomorrow's final.
The FT's goals were scored by Aiman Hakimi Badrul Hisham (26th minute) and V. Sriraam (35th), while Perak replied through Disairul Fazrien Nazrien (33rd) and Rahuul Fazrien Nazrien (41st).
Perak team manager Manjit Singh Grewal praised his players for their resilience, as they came back twice from a goal down to force the 2-2 draw in regulation time.
"It will be our first final in 10 years after winning the title in Perlis in 2014," said Manjit.
In the women's semi-finals, Pahang outplayed Terengganu 4-0 at Perta Jaya Hockey Stadium, while the Federal Territories defeated Penang 2-0.