Malaysian players trying to stop the Kiwis during their group match at Bukit Jalil —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Senior players in the national hockey squad should lead by example but they did not and, head coach Sarjit Singh was left disappointed after Malaysia’s 3-4 loss against New Zealand in the Nations Cup yesterday.
Malaysia’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals took a serious hit after they blew a commanding 3-0 lead against the Black Sticks at the National Hockey Stadium and jeopardised their chances of making it to the semi-finals.
The match's turning point came when Malaysia were given two yellow cards in the second half to seasoned midfielder Fitri Saari (44th minute) and Muhajir Abdu Rauf (52nd), which allowed New Zealand to put four past the host in just eight minutes.
Sarjit said the cards were completely avoidable, and was frustrated with the team's decision-making in the final quarter.
"It’s both disappointing and frustrating. We had full control of the match. There was no danger, and three points were in the bag," said Sarjit.
"But one mistake by Fitri in the centre, and he got a card, and they (New Zealand) scored all their goals.
He pointed out that senior players such as 32-year-old Fitri should set a good example, as his yellow card was what led to New Zealand finding their way back.
"As a senior player, you need to watch out because the team need you; you are one of the main players," said Sarjit.
"But I don’t want to blame anyone. The boys played well, but the cards let us down," he said.
Malaysia’s three goals came courtesy of Akimullah Anuar Esook (18th minute), Fitri (38th), and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (39th).
New Zealand scored in quick succession right after Fitri was shown the yellow card, thanks to their player advantage, with goals coming from Finn Ward (44th minute), Simon Yorston (45th), and Sean Findlay (46th).
After Muhajir too was shown the card and sent to the penalty box, Ward stepped up and scored their fourth goal in the 52nd minute.
Sarjit admitted that it was a tough lesson to take, but one the team had to face before their final group stage match against Japan tomorrow.
