Speedy Tigers Hit China for Five, Set Up Asian Games Semi-Final With South Korea
Malaysia won Pool B with a 5-0 rout of China and meet South Korea on Thursday for a place in the Asian Games hockey final and an LA28 ticket.
Malaysia's Speedy Tigers go into the knockout stage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as one of only two unbeaten teams. They beat China 5-0 at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara on Monday (28 September).
The result gave Brendon Carolan's side first place in Pool B with a perfect five wins. Their semi-final opponents on Thursday (1 October) are South Korea.
Five goals, five different scorers
The goals were shared around. Fitri Saari opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Akhimullah Anuar Esook converted a penalty corner in the 22nd, and Ashran Hamsani added a third two minutes later.
Faizal Saari, who scored a hat-trick in the opening game, made it 4-0 in the 40th minute. Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal completed the scoring in the 59th minute.
Heavy rain flooded the pitch and stopped play with a minute left. According to RTM, the 5-0 score stood as the official result.
A perfect pool campaign
Malaysia won every Pool B match:
- Uzbekistan 7-0
- Oman 7-0
- Thailand 10-0
- Pakistan 5-4
- China 5-0
That adds up to 15 points, with 34 goals scored and four conceded. The 5-4 comeback win over Pakistan was the only close game.
Carolan: "One small mistake can have a big impact"
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia after the match, Carolan said the China result meant a lot to the squad. He noted that China had beaten Malaysia in several important matches over the past five or six years. In comments translated from Malay, he said it was good for the team mentally to "go out, put in a solid performance and finish with a win".
He also warned the players not to get carried away. They need to manage their emotions and recover properly because, in knockout hockey, "one small mistake can have a big impact on the chance to reach the final."
South Korea in the semi-final
South Korea got through by beating hosts Japan 3-2 in their last Pool A match, also on 28 September. Yang Ji-hoon scored twice, according to Korean broadcaster SBS. Korea were level with Japan on points but behind on goal difference before the match, so they needed the win. They finished second in Pool A with 12 points.
India topped Pool A with five wins and a goal difference of +45, finishing with a 10-0 win over Bangladesh. They play Pakistan in the other semi-final on 1 October.
Why it matters: the LA28 ticket
There is more at stake than a medal. The winner of the men's hockey tournament qualifies directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Carolan's team have made a strong case for themselves in Gifu. Korea, though, are a much tougher test than anyone Malaysia faced in the pool stage.
Key takeaways
- Malaysia beat China 5-0 on 28 September to win Pool B with five straight wins.
- Five different players scored, including Fitri and Faizal Saari.
- The Speedy Tigers play South Korea in the semi-final on Thursday, 1 October.
- India play Pakistan in the other semi-final; the gold medallists qualify for LA28.
FAQ
Q: When is Malaysia vs South Korea? A: Thursday, 1 October, in the evening at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara. Check local listings for the exact Malaysian broadcast time.
Q: Who scored against China? A: Fitri Saari, Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Ashran Hamsani, Faizal Saari and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal.
Q: What does the winner get besides gold? A: The Asian Games men's hockey champions qualify directly for the LA28 Olympics.
Sources: Utusan Malaysia, RTM, SBS News, The Tribune, Sukanz