JUST A WARM UP

Malaysia to use Oman match as preparation for round robin stage

MALAYSIA will use their final Group B match against Oman today as a warm-up for the round robin stage in the Asia Cup in Dhaka.

Stephen Van Huizen’s side have qualified for the next stage following wins over China (7-1) and defending champions South Korea (2-1).

Malaysia are expected to pile up the goals against minnows Oman, who are the only active hockey team from the Middle East, today.

“I want to use this game as a practice for the real challenge in the round robin stage,” said Van Huizen yesterday.

It is Oman’s second appearance in the Asia Cup after finishing sixth in the 2013 Ipoh edition.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the next stage where they will play each other for spots in the final. For the record, Malaysia have never won the Asia Cup.

“Our penalty corners are still not sharp, and we have one more match to get it right. The true test will come in the round robin and we need to be ready for the challenge,” said Van Huizen.

Penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim has fired blanks so far with Faizal Shaari being more efficient from set-pieces in Dhaka. In total, Malaysia have scored three goals from eight penalty corner attempts in Dhaka.

Shahril Saabah and Najmi Jazlan are Malaysia’s other flickers who have yet to be utilised.

Meanwhile, midfielder Fitri Shaari has returned to Kuala Lumpur as the midfielder’s son, Adam Zafran, has been hospitalised.

It is learnt that Adam is in critical condition.

“Yes, Fitri has a personal issue to attend in KL. He needs to be with his family now,” Van Huizen added.

I want to use this game as a practice for the real challenge in the round robin stage.”

STEPHEN VAN HUIZEN