Penang’s women’s football team opened their 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Melaka at Stadium Kuala Kubu Bharu on Tuesday night.
Nur Anis Alwani Yusnizam and Nur Aufa Airish Hafidzan scored for Penang, while Nur Zara Ardila pulled one back for Melaka, as reported by Buletin Mutiara, the Penang state government’s official portal.
Head coach Marzizul Yusuf said the slow start was partly due to the team playing at night for the first time but praised the players for staying composed throughout.
“The game was a little slow at the beginning. Perhaps this was because it was their first time playing at night, but credit to the players, they managed to stay disciplined and composed,” Marzizul told reporters after the match.
“More importantly, what we had worked on during training was implemented on the pitch tonight.”
The win carries extra weight for Penang this year. The state’s men’s football team is absent from Sukma 2026 after the Penang State Sports Council failed to register players before the official deadline, as NST confirmed in May, leaving the women’s side as the sole football representatives carrying the state’s hopes.
“We know the expectations are there, especially with the men’s team not competing this year. Our target is at least to bring home a medal, and we will fight for it,” Marzizul said.
He acknowledged that tougher tests await, with Perak and Pahang next on the schedule. Both teams are experienced campaigners at this level, and Marzizul said the coaching staff would work to address weaknesses identified against Melaka.
“Both Perak and Pahang are considered very experienced teams, so the next two matches will definitely be tough. Nevertheless, we will give our best,” he said.
Penang play Perak on Thursday before facing Pahang on Saturday as they continue their push for a podium finish at the Games, which officially open on 15 August in Shah Alam.
