Speedy Tigers Stage Roaring Second-half Fightback To Sink US

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- The national hockey team staged a magnificent second-half fightback from 2-0 to defeat the United States (US) 4-2 for a strong start to their fifth-eighth classification playoff campaign in the FIH Men’s Nations Cup to a great start in Cape Town, South Africa today.

The come-from-behind victory means Malaysia, nicknamed the Speedy Tigers, have advanced to the fifth-sixth playoff match tomorrow, where they will meet either Ireland or Scotland at 8.30 pm Malaysian time.

Things did not start well for the Speedy Tigers today, as the US opened the scoring in the very first minute through a penalty corner goal by Sekayi Charasika, and got worse when Alberto Montilla doubled their lead with a field goal in the 17th minute.

A half-time pep talk by the coaches appeared to transform the Malaysian side, as they returned a different team after the break, scoring four unanswered goals to seal victory.

The fightback began with Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook’s penalty corner goal in the 32nd minute.

Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal then made it 2-2 with a field goal in the 39th minute, before veteran forward Faizal Shaari put Malaysia with a penalty corner goal in the 52nd minute.

Muhamad Faris Harizan sealed the win three minutes later with another penalty corner goal.

-- BERNAMA