KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — Selangor want to maintain their winning momentum in their second Group A match of the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) women’s football competition against Sabah at the Selayang Stadium tomorrow, but are refusing to become complacent after their big opening-match victory.
Team captain Nur Najwa Irdina Zaidi said the 7-0 win over the Federal Territories had boosted the team’s confidence, but several weaknesses identified needed to be addressed quickly before facing Sabah.
“So far, our mood is positive ahead of the next match, and we feel we can do our best again, but we do not want to be overconfident.
“We know we made many mistakes in the previous match, particularly in terms of communication, player positioning, and composure. So, we will rectify these mistakes for the next match,” she told Media Selangor at the KIP Hotel Kuala Lumpur today.
Najwa, popularly known as Wawa, said that Sabah is expected to provide a tougher challenge and will require the entire team to remain focused throughout the match.
“We know Sabah is not an easy opponent and we will carry the spirit we have now into the match and aim to put in a better performance,” she said.
The footballer also described the presence of hundreds of local supporters during the opening match as an additional boost for the team.
“The reception was very good. We have never received so much support from spectators as we did yesterday.
"It had a big impact on the players and motivated us when so many supporters came to cheer us on,” Najwa said.
Meanwhile, national defender Eusvewana Kadius said Selangor is targeting a successful defence of the gold medal they won during SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak.
“We want to win gold again this year and put on our best performance, better than at the 2024 SUKMA edition in Sarawak.
“My personal mission is also to win more matches, score more goals and provide more assists, win the player-of-the-match title, and achieve my best results this year,” she said.
Elsewhere, Najwa described SUKMA as an important platform for young players to showcase their potential and gain experience on the competitive stage.
“SUKMA is the best platform for young players. This is a great opportunity for them to show their potential and abilities,” she said.
Eusvewana echoed her captain, describing the tournament as an important platform for young players to gain exposure at the highest level.
Selangor will face Sabah in their second Group A women’s football match at the Selayang Stadium tomorrow night.
