Malaysia edge Kazakhstan to set up clash with Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will face Thailand today in the fifth-placing playoff match at the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament.

In yesterday’s fifth to eighth classification match, Malaysia came back from a goal down to edge Kazakhstan 2-1 at the Gifu Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

Malaysia went on the offensive from the start but Kazakhstan grabbed the lead through a field goal by Aigerim Makhanova in the 24th minute.

But Malaysia came back strongly in the third quarter with two quick goals.

Nuraslinda Said levelled the score with a field goal in the 31st minute and skipper Siti Rahmah Othman gave Malaysia the lead off a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.

Not happy, Malaysia continued their attack but they were denied a third goal by Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandra Lipunova.

As for Thailand, they edged Singapore 4-3 in a penalty shootout after both teams drew 1-1 in regulation time.

National coach K. Dharmaraj (pic) was unhappy with his team’s performance.

“We failed to make use of our chances in the first two quarters. We allowed Kazakhstan to take the lead to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure.

“Then, we did well to score two quick goals but failed to increase the lead despite creating numerous chances in the fourth quarter,” bemoaned Dharmaraj.

In their last meeting at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August, Malaysia beat Thailand 2-0 to clinch the gold.

Dharmaraj believes another tough clash is on the cards.

“The Thais will be out for revenge. I hope our players will rise to the occasion to get another win,” said Dharmaraj.