KUALA LUMPUR: Junior World Cup player Nur Insyirah Effarizal had a simple message for her team-mates, and Selangor women went on to defeat Federal Territories 3-1 in the women's semi-finals of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) hockey competition today.
Nur Insyirah, 22, told her teammates to enjoy the moment and do not end up crying in defeat.
"The message was simple and direct. I told my teammates to go for the broke as it would be better to play in the final with a smile rather than crying inside while fighting for the bronze.
"It worked, and now we only have one more match left to defend our gold won at the 2018 Perak Malaysia Games," said the bubbly character, who ran with joy with her teammates after the semis.
And it will not be an easy final, as Selangor will be playing their fourth straight match in four days.
Selangor coach Ikmal Jabar said his players always showed up in the fourth quarter of matches despite the gruelling schedule.
"It is a tiring tournament, but somehow Selangor always rise in the fourth quarter. I expect the final to be same as we defend our gold medal," said Ikmal.
Selangor took the lead off Nur Atira Ismail in the 14th minute but FT's Nur Shamine Azureen equalised in the 27th minute. However, Ellya Amanina Ellias (59th) and Anis Nurfatiha Asmidee (60th) delivered for the defending champions.
In the men's semi-finals Perak, who had maximum six wins in Group A, surprisingly went down tamely 4-1 to Johor.
RESULTS
Men's semi-finals: Perak 1 Johor 4, Terengganu 2 Pahang 2 (Pahang win 3-1 on shootout).
Women's semi-finals: Selangor 3 FT 1, Penang 1 Pahang 2.
FIXTURES
Tomorrow: Men's Final: Johor v Pahang (8pm, Pitch I); Third-Fourth: Perak v Terengganu (4pm, Pitch II).
Women's final: Selangor v Pahang (6pm, Pitch I); Third-Fourth: FT v Penang (4pm, Pitch I).
*matches at National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.