PAKISTAN 1 MALAYSIA 1
MALAYSIA’S IMPROVED PERFORMANCE STILL ELUDES A WIN
It was a do-or-die mission for both Malaysia and Pakistan, but at the end of the day both survived to fight for another day with their 1-1 draw in their second match in the 29th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2022 International Men’s hockey tournament at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh, last night.
A loss for both Malaysia and Pakistan coming into the matches with losses from their opening match against Korea (0-3) and South Africa(1-4) respectively, would have virtually ended their hopes of a top two finish for the final.
The match as expected started with both teams taking the field with utmost urgency and the game swung from end to end.
For Malaysia, a heart-to-heart talk by coach A. Arul Selvaraj after their opening game loss and his believe on the team’s GPS track record on the players and performances in matches, which indicated that the players will be stronger in the second match, saw everything fall in place tonight.
Indeed, Malaysia looked a different side from their opening match against Korea where they chased every ball, closed down their opponents early, set up fast pace and matched the the aggression of the Pakistan players not to be intimated.
And Malaysia were rewarded for their rejuvenated performance when Sabahan Shello Silverius put Malaysia in the lead in 27th minute after a brilliant display of individual stick work to beat Pakistan experienced captain, Umar Bhutta and take on two more defenders before beating goalkepeer Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan.
And eventually, Pakistan found their much wanted equaliser in 36th minute off a penalty corner when Arbaz Ahmad scored.
Hafizuddin indeed redeemed himself after coach Arul took him to task for a poor outing against Korea.
The icing to the cake for Hafizuddin must have been when he was named man of the match.
“Hafizuddin did not have much to do today but yes he redeemed himself and his crucial saves in the end saved the day for us. But that his job and I am glad that he had a good day at work today.”
On the match, Arul admitted the team played with better gusto, spirit, determination and effort.
But Arul was concerned that several players were suffering from cramps towards the end of the game.
“I need to talk to my medical team to find out is happening because we are supposed to be a very fit game.”
Arul was happy with the one point, but said that if they had been more clinical in the finishing, the game could have been won.
“But generally I happy with the performance of the players, especially the way they bounced back after the Korean game.
“We have to continue to improve and work harder in our remaining three matches.”
Malaysia play South Africa next on Friday, then play Egypt on Saturday and finally Japan on Monday.
Pakistan’s Dutch coach Siegfriend Aikman said that he was happy with the draw but not losing two points.
“The game was for our taking if we had used our chances. We dominated play and I did not think Malaysia was a threat to us,” declared Aikman.
“I was not too happy when the blew delayed our counter attacks from stoppages. That was our tactic to attack quickly to catch Malaysia on the breaks but the delays disrupted our attacks.
“We ourselves too missed some chances which I am not happy about.
“But then again, I am happy with the overall performance of the team which comprise a majority of young players and now plan here is to expose them to high level quality matches and look forward to then future. That we have achieved.”
Pakistan’s remaining matches are against Japan next, followed by Korea and winding up with Egypt.
Ends.
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