Speedy Tigers hit Thailand for 10 as perfect Asian Games run sets up Pakistan showdown
Malaysia thrashed Thailand 10-0 for a third straight clean-sheet win and now face Pakistan on Saturday in a key Group B clash.
The Speedy Tigers are firing on all cylinders at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Malaysia's men's hockey team crushed Thailand 10-0 in their Group B match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Thursday, 24 September, for their third win in three matches.
The result keeps Malaysia at the top of Group B with a maximum nine points, and they have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Nine different scorers
What stood out against Thailand was how the goals were shared around. Nine different players found the net.
- Faizal Saari – 18th minute (penalty corner) and 35th minute
- Muhajir Abdu Rauf – 20th minute
- Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal – 21st and 41st minutes
- Aminudin Mohd Zain – 28th minute
- Ashran Hamsani – 35th minute
- Shello Silverius – 55th minute
- Faiz Helmi Jali – 59th minute
- Akhimullah Anuar Esook – in the final stages
Malaysia broke the deadlock through Faizal's penalty corner in the 18th minute and then scored three more before half-time, putting the game beyond Thailand's reach.
24 goals, zero conceded
The Thailand rout followed 7-0 wins over Uzbekistan and Oman earlier in the tournament. That gives Brendon Carolan's side 24 goals scored and none conceded after three matches.
The next two matches are a different level. Before the Games, Bernama reported that Carolan's target was to reach the final, and that the team wanted to top Group B to give themselves the best chance.
"Our target is simple. Any team would want to reach the final, and once you are in the final, anything can happen. It is 50-50," Carolan said at the time.
Group B table
After three rounds of matches, the standings are:
- Malaysia – 9 points
- Pakistan – 6 points
- China – 6 points
- Oman, Uzbekistan, Thailand – 0 points
Only the top two teams in each group advance to the semi-finals, so the race for the two places is now between Malaysia, Pakistan and China.
What's next
Malaysia take on Pakistan on Saturday, 26 September, before ending their group campaign against China on Monday, 28 September. A win over Pakistan would put the Speedy Tigers in a very strong position going into the final group match.
These two games will show how far this Malaysian team has come. The side finished 16th at the 2026 World Cup, but Bernama noted that the players have shown improved spirit and tactical adaptation under Carolan.
Tigress also in action
Malaysia's women's team, the Malayan Tigress, are also chasing a semi-final place in Group A. According to Bernama's fixture list, they meet Taiwan today (25 September) before facing South Korea on 27 September. Coach C.R. Kumar set the semi-finals as the women's target before the Games.
Key takeaways
- Malaysia beat Thailand 10-0 on 24 September for their third straight win.
- The Speedy Tigers have scored 24 goals and conceded none in three matches.
- Malaysia lead Group B with 9 points; Pakistan and China have 6 each.
- Next: Pakistan on Saturday (26 September) and China on Monday (28 September), with only the top two going through.
FAQ
Who scored for Malaysia against Thailand? Faizal Saari and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored twice each, with single goals from Muhajir Abdu Rauf, Aminudin Mohd Zain, Ashran Hamsani, Shello Silverius, Faiz Helmi Jali and Akhimullah Anuar Esook.
When do the Speedy Tigers play next? Malaysia face Pakistan on Saturday, 26 September, then China on Monday, 28 September.
How many teams qualify for the semi-finals from Group B? Only the top two teams from each group advance.
Sources: Bernama, Newswav