‘Bad boy’ turns hero
Faizal steers Malaysia to victory over Pakistan in opener
KUANTAN: Malaysia turned the formbook upside down when they emphatically beat defending champions Pakistan 4-2 in the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
Malaysia can thank the “bad boy” of Malaysian hockey Faizal Saari for their second win over Pakistan this year. Malaysia had also beaten them 1-0 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in May.
Yesterday, Faizal scored two goals while Mohd Shahril Saabah and Mohd Firhan Azhari chipped in with one apiece in an exciting match that saw the Malaysian defence holding sway to record only their first win over Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy since 2011.
Pakistan’s goal came from a Mohamed Aleem Billa penalty corner three minutes into the second quarter. Aleem was on target again in the 34th minute.
National coach Stephen van Huizen said the team gelled very well yesterday.
“There was overall improvement in the way they defended and attacked. This is good.
“Faizal had a good game but still not at his best yet. He is very talented, but the question has always been whether he wants to perform.
“This is a good start for him and shows his determination to be part of the team. I am glad to see him work well with the players,” said Stephen.
Yesterday, Malaysia opened accounts through Firhan, who picked up a penalty corner rebound for the opener in the 12th minute. Pakistan then took over to lead 2-1, but the hardy Malaysians equalised through Faizal’s penalty stroke in the 37th minute.
Shahril then made it 3-2 in the 41st minute from a penalty corner hit. Pakistan went all out to get the equaliser but were thwarted by the stout Malaysian defence.
After weathering the storm, Malaysia hit back in the 60th minute, with Faizal hitting home a penalty corner rebound for a deserving win.
Next up is China today and Stephen has warned his men not to take them for granted.
“They have always played well against us and we need to keep our focus and not get carried away with this win over Pakistan,” said Stephen.