Speedy Tigers survive China scare to open ACT campaign with win
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia survived a scare from China before winning 5-4 in the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, India on Tuesday
Malaysia weathered a setback from China in the inaugural match of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, securing a 5-4 victory. The Speedy Tigers, recent silver medalists at the Asian Games, took an early lead with a goal from Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the fourth minute. China, known for their swift offensive play, responded with goals from Wang Yaqi and Ne Moda in quick succession, taking a 2-1 lead.
Brendon Carolan's team, however, rallied to overtake China 3-2, with goals from Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Azrai within a minute of each other. China equalized the score through a penalty corner conversion by Chen Benhai in the 27th minute. Malaysia regained the lead with a penalty stroke by Faizal Saari in the 34th minute, and Azimuddin Kamaruddin added another goal off a penalty corner for a 5-3 advantage.
China narrowed the gap with a penalty stroke by Benhai in the 44th minute. Akhimullah was recognized as man of the match for his performance. Carolan expressed disappointment in his team's performance compared to the Asian Games, attributing it to the challenging hot and humid conditions in Jalandhar. He praised China's gameplay and urged his team to improve in the upcoming matches, aiming to climb up to 12th in the world rankings.
The upcoming matches include Malaysia vs South Korea at 5pm, Bangladesh vs Japan at 7:15pm, and India vs China at 9:30pm, all held at Malaysian time.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
