Mohd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (right) celebrates his goal against India. - Photo by AHF / Hockey India
PETALING JAYA: It was a valiant effort from Malaysia but it wasn't enough as they finished runners-up in the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Speedy Tigers were beaten by the host nation India 3-4 in the final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, India on Sunday (May 13).
Malaysia took a 3-1 lead in the first-half, but the Indians notched a superb comeback to win the title with a 4-3 scoreline.
In the first quarter, India took the lead through Jugraj Singh, who unleashed a superb penalty corner with a stinging shot.
The lead lasted five minutes as Malaysia got the equaliser when Mohd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored a field goal, by lobbing the ball over India’s goalkeeper R. Sreejesh.
In the second quarter, Malaysia doubled their lead when Razie Rahim’s drag flick was deflected by India’s Amit Rohidas into his own net.
Malaysia silenced the fervent Indian crowd when Aminuddin Mohd Zain scored a penalty corner in the 27th minute to give Malaysia its third goal.
In the third quarter, India were off to a blistering start but were contained well by the Malaysian defence with goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman pulling off a few good saves.
But towards the end of the third quarter, India got one goal back in the 44th minute when Harmanpreet Singh buried a penalty stroke and eventually got the equaliser a few seconds later through a Gurjant Singh field goal.
The fourth quarter proved end to end as both sides exchanged attacks, looking for a lead but the defences stole the show with their interceptions and clearances.
India had the last laugh when Akashdeep Singh scored a field goal off a counterattack in the 55th minute.
It was India’s fourth Asian Champions Trophy, while it's the first time Malaysia have qualified for the final of the tournament.
