Malaysia’s national hockey team wrapped up their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup round-robin campaign with four points after a narrow 3–4 defeat to Korea Republic at Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh.
The result sends Sarjit Singh’s charges into tomorrow’s third-place playoff, where they will face New Zealand.
Earlier in the day, India demolished Canada 14–3, while Belgium cruised past New Zealand 5–1 — results that confirmed a blockbuster India vs Belgium final tomorrow.
The opening half saw South Korea stamp their dominance with sharp passing, tight ball control, and relentless pressure that forced Malaysia to stay compact in defence.
The Koreans struck early — Oh Se Yong fired home a field goal in the 4th minute, followed quickly by another field goal from Park Cheol Eon just a minute later to make it 0–2.
The second and third quarters were more balanced as both teams traded attacks, but neither side could find the breakthrough.
South Korea extended their lead to 3–0 in the 47th minute through a penalty-corner conversion by Yang Ji Hun.
That moment jolted the Speedy Tigers into life. Malaysia pulled one back through Faizal Saari in the 54th minute, followed almost immediately by Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 55th to make it 2–3.
Azrai then ignited the home crowd again with the equaliser in the 58th minute. But heartbreak followed in the dying seconds, Kim Hyeon Hong converted a penalty corner to seal a dramatic 4–3 win for South Korea.
Credit Photo : Hokita
