By Muhammad Afiff Md Adnan
CHONBURI, Dec 14: National sepak takraw head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun says that a tactical change to substitute Muhammad Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican for Zulkifli Razak as a correct move to break the spirit and momentum of hosts Thailand to see Malaysia emerge as the champions of the team regu (combination) event today.
That bold decision was made after realising that the opponents’ style of play was beginning to show dominance. But Muhammad Zarif, the young tekong or server managed to provide an immediate impact in terms of tempo and boost the team’s confidence.
“For me, following our players’ pattern, when we are under pressure, we need to execute a strategy to break the opponent’s defence line.
“Our tactics, to some extent, affected the opposing team, and for the third group, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), this is a positive thing: whichever player we give the responsibility to, they perform their best,” said Ahmad Jais.
In the thrilling encounter, Malaysia’s first regu, Haziq Hairul Nizam, Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, and Amirul Zazwan Amir, lost to the Thai trio of Pornthep Tinbangbon, Varayut Jantarasena, and Marukin Phanmakon in three sets, 9-15, 15-11, 13-15.
However, Malaysia’s second regu, comprising Mohammad Syahir Rosdi, Mohamad Azlan Alias, and Farhan Adam, revived Malaysia’s hope by defeating Siriwat Sakha, Thawisak Thongsai and Rachan Viphan, 17-14, 15-13.
In the decider, the third regu was initially represented by Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, performed calmly to secure the first set victory 15-13.
But Ahmad Jais’ strategic substitution towards the end of the match by bringing in Muhammad Zarif was the crucial turning point. Malaysia coasted to a 15-11 win in the second set to lift the sepak takraw gold medal after a 34-year wait.
A jubilant but modest Muhammad Zarif said the win was all due to teamwork.
“All my teammates are heroes, whether they were on or off the court; I don’t feel it’s just me, but the whole team. All of us in the sepak takraw team have proven that nothing is impossible.”
— BERNAMA