ACT: Speedy Tigers Edge Japan 5-4 For First Win. Keep Semi-final Hopes Alive

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian men's hockey team finally secured their first victory in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) after edging Japan 5-4 in Inner Mongolia, China, today.

Following a humiliating 1-8 routing by India yesterday, the Speedy Tigers bounced back with the crucial win today, thus keeping their hopes for the semi-finals alive at Moqi Training Base, Hulunbuir.

Defender Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan netted two penalty corner goals in the 12th and 40th minutes.

The other goals for Malaysia, all field goals, came from Norsyafiq Sumantri in the 21st minute, Syarman Mat Tee (47’), and Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (48’).

Japan responded with two penalty corners by Ken Nagayoshi in the 24th and 28th minutes, and field goals by Tsubasa Tanaka (36’) and Kazumasa Matsumoto (51’).

Previously, the Speedy Tigers were held to a 2-2 draw by Pakistan and lost 2-4 to China. They will complete the round-robin stage against South Korea in a must-win match on Saturday to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on Monday, while the bottom two will compete for fifth and sixth places.

Commenting on the match, head coach Sarjit Singh said the victory came at a cost, with several players sustaining injuries.

"The desire and effort from the players were commendable, despite some mistakes on the pitch. The team deserved to win today.

"Scoring five goals at the international level is an achievement, but had the players capitalised on all their chances, we could have scored even more today.

"The players need ample rest tomorrow before the final match against Korea, who are a strong team. We need to prepare thoroughly for that game," he said in a statement.

As of 4.30 p.m., Malaysia stand in fourth place with four points, while Japan are at the bottom with one point.

-- BERNAMA