THT clinches treble after winning 2023 TNB Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) managed to secure the treble after a decade-long wait winning the 2023 Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Cup tonight, adding the third and final trophy to their Charity Shield and the Malaysia Hockey League title this season.  

THT lifted the TNB Cup after beating defending champions Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) 2-1 in the 2023 TNB Cup final at Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium tonight.

THT managed to take the lead in the 20th minute of the final, through Faizal Saari’s field goal, but TNB hit back with an equaliser from a penalty corner by Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 43rd minute.

Finally, South Korean penalty corner expert Jang Jonghyun secured the match in the 52nd minute with the second goal of the match.

“This victory is historic for Terengganu after being founded 10 years ago….we fought till the end, when we took the lead we used the strategy of defending till the last second,” THT captain Mohd Fitri Saari said. 

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan women’s hockey team won the Vivian May Soars Cup by beating KPT-Uniten Thunder (KPT) 3-2 in a penalty shootout after they drew 1-1 at full time.

National women’s hockey player Hanis Nadiah Onn, team captain Nuraini Abdul Rashid and Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar were spot on with their shots, helping their team to secure their inaugural treble after winning the Charity Shield and topping the Malaysia Women’s Hockey League this season. 

Head coach K. Rajan was delighted with his team’s fighting spirit, especially goalkeeper Mashitah Ab Khalid’s performance in stopping several shots.

“I’m happy because today’s victory was won through the hard way and praise needs to be given to Mashitah because she managed to make clear saves during the match and the shootout. Everyone played their role well today,” he added.

-- BERNAMA