M'sia continue unbeaten run in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Bernama
Mac 14, 2013 23:32 MYT
Mac 14, 2013 23:32 MYT
Malaysia continued their unbeaten run on the fourth day of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament with a 2-2 draw against Pakistan here tonight which further brightened their chances of making the final.
Malaysia under coach Paul Revington put up a spirited performance and made several dangerous moves to crack Pakistan's defence in the first half.
The national squad through Faizal Saari opened scoring in the 6th minute through a penalty corner.
Stunned by the early goal, Pakistan replied through a penalty corner by Muhammad Imran in the 15th minute to equalise.
After that, the national squad made several attempts at goal but failed to find the net despite some open chances.
As soon as play resumed in the second half, Malaysia continued to mount waves of attacks and were rewarded with two penalty corners but failed to convert them.
However, in the 52nd minute Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim put Malaysia one up through a hard corner hit.
Despite the cheers of 12,000 spectators who filled Azlan Shah Stadium to the brim the national team failed to add another goal.
Pakistan again came from behind to equalise in the 62nd minute through Ali Shan.
Malaysia will be facing India this Saturday.
Earlier, in the evening, Australia and South Korea drew 3-3 while defending champions New Zealand beat India 2-0.
The last time Malaysia made the final was in 2009 when they lost 1-3 to India.