IPOH: Malaysia picked up their first win at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after edging Canada 3-2 in a rain-soaked Azlan Shah Stadium on Monday (Nov 24).
The match, originally slated for 8pm, was pushed back two hours due to heavy rain and only kicked off at 10pm once conditions improved.
When play finally began, the Speedy Tigers struck early through Akhimullah Anuar Esook in the fifth minute but Canada hit back swiftly, with Sean Davis levelling in the 13th minute.
Canada then stunned the hosts by going 2-1 up in the 17th minute via captain Matthew Sarmento, forcing Malaysia to chase the game.
Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal hauled the hosts level just three minutes later after reacting quickest to a loose ball, before veteran forward Faizal Saari marked his return to the national team with a penalty-corner conversion in the 25th minute to make it 3-2 at half time.
The scoreline held firm after the break, giving Malaysia their first victory of the tournament following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Sunday (Nov 23).
