Faizal Fires THT Into TNB Cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- A solitary goal from star forward Faizal Saari secured Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) a spot in the 2025 TNB Cup final after edging Matador 1-0 in the semifinals at Pitch 2 of the National Hockey Stadium today. 

The victory keeps THT on track for a historic treble in the 2025 Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), having already won the Charity Shield and clinched their seventh league title after a flawless nine-match campaign this season.

In a tense semifinal played under scorching heat, both teams launched relentless attacks but failed to break the deadlock in the first half.

The long-awaited breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Faizal converted a penalty corner to send his team into the final, set to take place on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Faizal, who leads the 2025 MHL goal-scoring charts with 23 goals, vowed that THT would give their all in their bid to replicate their treble-winning feat from 2023.

“The match was intense, especially playing at 4 pm in the heat. One sprint and you already feel exhausted. We also made some tactical errors in our penalty corners, wasting a lot of chances. We’ll review and fix these issues before the final,” said the 34-year-old.

“We have maintained an unbeaten record in 11 matches, and we want to win everything to make this season even more special for me and THT. Whether I win the top scorer award or not is secondary, what matters is winning for the team,” he said.

THT advanced to the semifinal after thrashing Armed Forces HT 8-3 in the quarterfinals, while Matador edged TNB Thunderbolts 2-1.

Awaiting THT in the final is last year’s treble champions, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), who defeated Maybank 7-4 in another dramatic semi-final, with hopes of at least retaining one trophy this time.

South Korean penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun (2nd minute, 59'), Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi (1'7’, 36'), and Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (51', 60') each scored braces for TNB, while the other goal was netted by Norsyafiq Sumantri (42').

Maybank’s goals came from Mohamad Ashran Hamsani (13'), Muhammad Shafiq Hassan (25'), Govers Kieran (47'), and Muhammad Aslam Mohamed Hanafiah (54').

The match was also marred by a red card incident when Maybank’s Australian import, Jack Hayes, was sent off in the 48th minute for elbowing Shello Selverius.

The final is scheduled for 8.30 pm this Saturday at the same venue, while the third-fourth placing playoff between Matador and Maybank will take place at 4 pm (at the same venue).

-- BERNAMA