Malaysia in the semis after third win in Muscat

KUALA LUMPUR: Three matches and three wins. Malaysia continued their fine performance in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy by defeating South Korea 4-2 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, on Monday.

Malaysia booked their place in the semi-finals with two more matches remaining against India and Pakistan.

For the Koreans, it was their third consecutive defeat as they lost 3-1 to two-time champions Pakistan and 2-0 to Japan.

Coach Roelant Oltmans’ men started off well against South Korea by taking the lead off a field goal by Muhd Firhan Ashaari in the 11th minute.

But their joy was short-lived as the Koreans fought back to score two goals within five minutes.

Yang Ji-hun equalised in the 15th minute before Jang Jong-hyun converted a penalty corner goal in the 20th minute to take the lead.

Two minutes later, Muhd Shahril Saabah equalised with a field goal.

Malaysia kept up the pressure and regained the lead through veteran striker Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil in the 35th minute.

Malaysia completed the rout with another field goal by forward Faizal Saari in the 57th minute. It was Faizal’s fourth goal in three matches.

Oltmans said they gave too much space for the Koreans after a good start.

“We did well to dominate the match in the third and fourth quarters. We kept our structure well and in the end, we managed to score in every quarter.

“When a team scores four field goals I’m not worried about the penalty corners although it would be nice to get goals from penalty corners,” said the 64-year-old Dutchman.

Malaysia and India are tied with nine points from three matches but India top the standings with a better goal difference.

“India have scored more goals and it will be a challenge for us but we’re looking forward to playing the match,” said Oltmans.