Malaysia to take on India in semi-finals

bounced back from their defeat to Pakistan by hammering Oman 70 in an Asian Games Group B match in Jakarta yesterday.

With the win, Stephen Van Huizen’s side finished second in the group behind Pakistan and the World No 12 will play fifth-ranked India in the semi-finals tomorrow.

After the early pressure from the Middle East side, Razie Rahim opened accounts for Malaysia off a penalty corner attempt in the 28th minute.

The other goals were netted by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Jalil (32nd and 45th), Faizal Saari (34th and 48th), Firhan Ashaari (37th) and Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi (43rd).

Rahim is currently the team’s leading scorer with nine goals, followed by Faizal on seven. Malaysia scored a massive 41 goals and conceded six.

“We faced some difficulty in the first quarter, but I was never worried. All we needed was a win to secure our place and that was never in doubt,” said Van Huizen.

“We will use our two-day break to analyse India’s tactics and come up with solutions.

“India are the favourites, but we will try to give them a good fight.

“It is always unpredictable in the semifinal stage and our aim is to beat India and qualify for the final.”

In the women’s section, Malaysia failed to reach the semi-finals following a 3-1 defeat to Japan on Monday.

China and Malaysia finished level on seven points, but the former joined Group A champions Japan into the semi-finals.