KUALA LUMPUR – The national men’s hockey squad continued their strong start to the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Chennai, India, easily defeating China 5-1 in their second round-robin match tonight.
China took a surprising lead in the clash at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in the fourth minute through Chongcong Chen’s field goal, but Malaysia – fresh from a 3-1 victory over Pakistan yesterday – equalised after prolific striker Faizal Saari converted a penalty corner seven minutes later.
The Speedy Tigers took the lead after Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal converted a penalty corner in the 15th minute before Muhammad Firhan Ashaari made it comfortable for Malaysia after scoring a brace through field goals in the 45th and 49th minutes.
Just before the end of the match, A. Arul Selvaraj’s men added to China’s misery, with the fifth goal scored by Najmi Farizal Jazlan through a penalty corner in the 57th minute.
“It was a performance where we controlled the match, the position on the field and the moved the ball in a simple and easy manner, and took all the penalty corners well.
“Tomorrow (Aug 5) is a rest day, the players will use it to relax mentally, emotionally and physically, while the medical team will also help them with the recovery process,” said Arul Selvaraj after the match.
Malaysia, who currently sit top of the table with six points, will meet hosts India in the third match on Sunday. – Bernama
