Kota Kinabalu: A brilliant hat-trick by Jensliani Panai @ John confirmed Tenom’s place in the quarter-finals of the Saga XI women’s football competition after a convincing 4-0 victory over Telupid in the group stage.
Comprising mostly young players, the Tenom team delivered an energetic and disciplined performance to secure their third consecutive win in Group A, sealing their progression to the next round.
Jensliani opened the scoring for Tenom in the 7th and 16th minutes before completing her hat-trick in the 63rd minute.
Meanwhile, Raja Zerah Atin added her name to the scoresheet with a well-placed goal in the 35th minute.
Tenom’s coach, Martin Langu, revealed that his players had only two weeks of training following the selection process before competing in the Sabah Games (Saga).
“We only had two weeks of training after finalising the squad to build understanding among the players.
“With this third straight win in Group A, I’m very pleased with the team’s fighting spirit and commitment,” he told reporters when met at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Tun Mustapha field on Monday.
The Saga XI Women’s Football tournament features 11 teams divided into three groups, including Tawau, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Penampang, Semporna, Sipitang, Telupid, Papar, Tongod, and Tenom.
Meanwhile in the lawn bowling competition, Beluran athlete Asnirul Arispadillah and Papar’s Nuremilda Jazeemi Jali each won gold in the men’s and women’s singles events.
Asnirul defeated Papar’s Muhammad Haikal Affandy Jeffrey 21–12, while Nabawan’s Adilah Justine had to settle for silver after losing 17–15 to Nuremilda.
The men’s singles bronze medals were shared by Mohammad Syameel Ruamin of Kota Kinabalu and Elldy Maxcanzie Zosmi of Nabawan, while in the women’s category, Keningau’s Alleysha Natalia Aelis and Tawau’s Putri Natalia Natasha Sabri shared third place.
In the women’s fours, Kota Kinabalu lost narrowly to Tawau 11–13, with Tuaran and Ranau sharing the bronze.
For the men’s fours, Kota Kinabalu secured the gold after edging Beaufort 9–7, while Beluran and Ranau shared bronze.
The lawn bowling competition continues on the fourth day with the pairs and triples categories, with the finals scheduled for this Friday.
