The Malaysia National Hockey team secured their first victory in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final spot after a thrilling 5-4 win over Japan. The Speedy Tigers, led by coach Sarjit Singh, delivered a strong performance at the Moqi Training Centre in Hulunbair.
Malaysia opened the scoring with Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan’s penalty corner goal in the 12th minute. Norsyafiq Sumantri then doubled the lead with a field goal in the 22nd minute. Japan quickly responded, with Ken Nagayoshi netting two penalty corner goals in the 24th and 28th minutes, leveling the score. Japan took the lead through Tsubasa Tanaka’s field goal in the 36th minute, but Malaysia fought back.
Syed Syafiq scored his second penalty corner goal in the 40th minute to equalize, and Syarman Mat Tee restored Malaysia’s lead in the 47th minute with a field goal. Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal added a fifth goal just a minute later. Despite Japan’s efforts, including a goal from Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 51st minute, Malaysia held on for the win.
With this victory, Malaysia now sits in fourth place with four points, needing a strong result in their final round-robin match against South Korea on Saturday to secure a semi-final spot.
Credit Photo : AHF
