KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- Brothers Mohd Faizal Saari and Mohd Fitri Saari’s brilliant performance helped secure Malaysia’s 3-2 victory over Belgium B in the third match of the 2024 Europe Friendly Match Series at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, Belgium today.
Older brother Faizal scored a brace of field goals, his first straight off in the first minute, followed by his second in the 16th, while younger brother Mohd Fitri put Malaysia in a commanding 3-0 lead in the 29th, before Belgium B scored twice to close the gap in the 44th and 57th minute.
National hockey chief coach, Sarjit Singh said the entire team should be credited for the win as they managed to match Belgium B’s strengths throughout the three matches.
"Good start for the third game and the team managed to take a 3-0 lead. There were a few changes in players’ positions, with Muhammad Marhan Jalil playing in left midfield.
"Next Germany, I hope the team can make some improvements to their defensive structure, be clinical in front of the opponent’s goal, improve defending penalty corners,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) tonight.
Malaysia beat Belgium B 3-2 in the opener on Monday before losing to them 2-4 on Wednesday.
The national team now heads to Monchengladbach, Germany for its two other friendly matches.
-- BERNAMA
