Malaysia qualify for semis
secured their third straight win in the Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-2 success over South Korea in Muscat, Oman on Monday.
The World No 12 took the lead through Firhan Ashaari in the 11th minute, but 14th-ranked Korea fought back with goals from Yang Jihun (15th) and Jang Jong Hyun (20th).
However, Roelant Oltmans’ side kept the pressure and scored through Shahril Saabah (22nd), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (35th) and Faizal Shaari (57th) for the win which secured them a semi-final spot.
In earlier matches, Malaysia defeated Asian Games champions Japan (3-0) and minnows Oman 3-1.
Malaysia played India late yesterday and will complete their round-robin against Pakistan tomorrow. “We have achieved our first target, that is to qualify for the semifinals.
“After a good start, we gave too much space to Korea who scored two quick goals.
“We dominated the third and four quarters and kept our structure well.
“I am not too concerned about our penalty corners as we scored all four goals via field attempts today.
“However, it would be nice if we can earn more penalty corners,” said Oltmans on Monday.
For the record, Malaysia have never finished top two in the competition since its inception in 2011.
India and Pakistan have won the tournament twice each with Malaysia finishing third in all four previous editions.