Malacca came from a goal down to qualify for the final of the National Under 21 Tournament when they edged Pahang 3-2 in the semi finals at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.
But Malacca will be without two players, keeper Mohd Hazrul Faiz and match winner Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam as the duo left for Singapore after the final to join the National U18 team for the AHF Cup Tournament.
"Making the final is a great achievement as not many gave us a chance but I always had the confidence in these players," said Malacca coach Chua Boon Huat.
"Missing the two players will make it difficult to match Kuala Lumpur in the final but we will give it our best shot."
Pahang went ahead in the 4th minute when Mohd Hafizuddin Mat Isa converted a penalty corner.
But their joy was shortlived as two minutes later Malacca equalized. Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam muffed the initial attempt but the ball fell to Amirullah Zainol who had no problems scoring.
Pahang were awarded two penalty corners but failed to score while Malacca were content with counter attacking hockey.
Pahang went ahead in the 39th minute when Aminuddin Abu was the first to the ball after the initial penalty corner attempt by Hafizuddin was saved. He displayed calmness to sidestep the keeper Mohd Hazrul Faiz to score.
However Malacca hit back in the 41st minute when Wan Luqman Haziq Wan Mahadi scored after being put through by Dedi Aryandi to make it 2-2.
Both teams played very cautiously and tried to win penalty corners but to no avail.
Dedi could have become the hero when he went past the Pahang keeper in the 65th minute but sent his reverse stick attempt out.
Malacca were then awarded a penalty corner in the 67th minute but they muffed the attempted set piece. And a minute later Dedi missed another sitter which would have sealed a place in the final for Malacca.
But Ganeisha found the target in the 69th minute of a penalty corner to send Malacca into the final where they will play Kuala Lumpur.
Pahang were awarded two penalty corners but failed to score while Malacca were content with counter attacking hockey.
Pahang went ahead in the 39th minute when Aminuddin Abu was the first to the ball after the initial penalty corner attempt by Hafizuddin was saved. He displayed calmness to sidestep the keeper Mohd Hazrul Faiz to score.
However Malacca hit back in the 41st minute when Wan Luqman Haziq Wan Mahadi scored after being put through by Dedi Aryandi to make it 2-2.
Both teams played very cautiously and tried to win penalty corners but to no avail.
Dedi could have become the hero when he went past the Pahang keeper in the 65th minute but sent his reverse stick attempt out.
Malacca were then awarded a penalty corner in the 67th minute but they muffed the attempted set piece. And a minute later Dedi missed another sitter which would have sealed a place in the final for Malacca.
But Ganeisha found the target in the 69th minute of a penalty corner to send Malacca into the final where they will play Kuala Lumpur.
Results:
Semi Final
Johor 1
Kuala Lumpur 4
Malacca 3
Pahang 2
5/6th Placing
Selangor 2
Perak 8
7/8th Placing
Negri Sembilan 1
Penang 0
Fixtures – Sunday
3/4th Placing
1600H – Johor v Pahang
Final
1800H – Kuala Lumpur v Malacca
