Malaysia in the semis after holding Pakistan to a draw

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia staged a magnificent fightback from three goals down to snatch a 3-3 draw against three-time champions Pakistan in a Group A match to qualify for the semi-finals of the Asia Cup hockey tournament at the Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai yesterday.

Pakistan took control of the first-half, which was played in a heavy downpour, to go 3-0 up through Shakeel Abbasi (17th, 26th) and Akhtar Ali (33rd).

But Malaysia hit back in the second-half to salvage a draw. Forward Tengku Ahmad Tajudin (43rd, 57th) scored a brace before defender Megat Azrafiq Megat Termizi equalised one minute from time for a well-deserved point.

Malaysia, who are unbeaten, top the group with 10 points from three wins and a draw. They outplayed Singapore 8-0, whipped Hong Kong 13-1 and edged Japan, ranked 11th in the world, 2-0.

National coach Sarjit Singh said in a telephone interview from Chennai that he was impressed with his players’ never-say-die attitude against opponents who are ranked fifth in the world.

“Pakistan took control of the match in the first-half on the wet and slippery pitch due to rain. We were playing with 10 men after Engku Malik (Engku Mohamed) was sent to the sin bin for a rash tackle and Pakistan took advantage to score two goals,” said Sarjit.

“But my boys fought back and showed that they have what it takes to beat a team who are ranked much higher.” (Malaysia are ranked 16th in the world).

Malaysia will face either South Korea or China in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Defending champions India, who still have a game in hand, have qualified for the semi-finals from Group B after winning four straight matches.