GREAT EFFORT, DISAPPOINTING RESULT

Malaysia battle from 4-1 down only to lose in penalty shootout

NATIONAL coach Roelant Oltmans praised his team’s great fight-back in the Asian Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to Pakistan in Muscat on Saturday but lamented that the outcome could have been different had they been defensively stronger.

Malaysia clawed back from 4-1 down to force the match into a penalty shootout, which the World No 12 lost 3-1.

In the other semi-final match, India edged Asian Games champions Japan 3-2.

“The boys bounced back brilliantly and to be honest, we conceded unnecessary goals and missed a couple of good chances,” said Oltmans.

“I am proud of the performance, but disappointed with the final outcome.”

The Dutchman was appointed as national coach a few days before the team left for Muscat for the tournament.

On the penalty shootout, Oltmans added: “We did not prepare much for it. However, we need to do better than scoring just one goal.

“I think our goalkeeper Hairi (Rahman) did well by blocking two attempts from Pakistan,” he added.

On Saturday, Faizal Saari gave Malaysia a second minute lead, but it was all Pakistan after that.

Goals from Muhammad Irfan (sixth), Aleem Bilal (12th), Abu Bakar Mahmood (15th) and Aleem Bilal (20th) made it 4-1 for Pakistan.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (37th) and Nik Aiman Rozemi (44th) narrowed the deficit before Faizal's 56th minute goal took the match into a shootout.

Malaysia played Japan for the bronze medal while India took on Pakistan for the crown in late matches yesterday.