Asia Cup: Malaysia Triumph 5-2 Over Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The national men’s indoor hockey squad overcame their first challenge in the second round of the 2024 Asia Cup by defeating Thailand 5-2 in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan yesterday.

In the Group C match at the Taldykorgan Sports Complex, team captain Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan scored twice for Malaysia in the fourth and ninth minutes, capitalising on penalty corners.

Midfielder Muhamad Izham Azhar added to the tally with another penalty corner goal in the 18th minute, followed by a field goal from forward Abdul Khaliq Hamirin in the 29th minute, further extending Malaysia’s lead.

Thailand managed to net two goals through penalty corners by Warawut A-Nukoon in the 30th and 34th minutes before forward Faridzul Afiq Mohd secured Malaysia’s fifth goal through a penalty corner three minutes before the match concluded.

In a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, coach Mohd Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi expressed satisfaction with the victory and urged his charges to give their best in today’s match against eight-time champions Iran to secure a spot in the finals.

The top two teams from Group C will not only advance to the finals but also earn automatic slots to the 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in Porec, Croatia, from Feb 3 to 9, 2025.

In the first round, Malaysia, placed in Group B, dominated Oman 10-2 on Tuesday, drew 3-3 with host Kazakhstan and secured their advancement to the second round by defeating the 2023 SEA Games champions, Indonesia 5-4 on Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA