KUCHING, Four-time champions Perak have become the first team to advance to the quarter-finals of the men's football competition at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) after edging Pahang 1-0 in their Group D match at the Majlis Daerah Dalat dan Mukah (MDDM) field. This victory marks Perak's second win, having already secured three points by defeating hosts Sarawak 1-0 in their opening group match on Monday. In the match, midfielder Ahmad Daniel Hakimi Ahmad Azmil emerged as Perak's hero once again, scoring the winning goal in the 22nd minute, following his earlier winning goal against Sarawak. Perak will complete their group stage against the Federal Territories (WiPers) at Mukah Stadium this Friday. In another Group D match, Sarawak's hopes of bouncing back and securing three points were dashed after they drew 1-1 with the WiPers at Mukah Stadium. The WiPers coached by Mohd Nidzam Adzka Yusoff, initially took the lead with a goal from Muhammad Shairul Aikal Mohamad Nasir in the 28th minute before Sarawak equalised in the 59th minute with the goal netted by substitute Mohamad Faris Mohd Faidillah. Meanwhile, Johor suffered their first defeat after losing 1-2 to Sabah in their Group B match at Zaidi Adruce Stadium, Sibu. Also in Sibu, Negeri Sembilan kept their knockout stage hopes alive by bouncing back from their first defeat against Selangor with a 2-1 victory over Kelantan in their Group A clash at Azman Hashim Stadium. Kedah, who have just started their campaign, dashed Melaka's hopes of securing a win at Bintulu Stadium with a 1-1 draw in their Group C match. Melaka also drew 0-0 with Penang in their group opener on Monday. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals. Source: BERNAMA News Agency