PETALING JAYA: The national hockey team clawed their way back to ensure a win against Austria in their opening group stage match at the World Cup qualifiers in Egypt.
The Speedy Tigers captured three points after beating Austria 6-1 in their Group B match at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia on Sunday (March 1).
Malaysia, led by head coach Sarjit Singh, got off to a shaky start after they gave away a penalty stroke in the third minute, which Fulop Losonci converted.
Malaysia responded in the second quarter as Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored the equaliser in the 24th minute and Shello Silverius with another goal just seconds later.
In the third quarter, Norsyafiq Sumantri extended the lead after converting a penalty corner in the 34th minute to make it 3-1, before Azrai scored his second goal of the night in the 44th minute.
Malaysia did not slow down in the final quarter as Akhimullah Anuar Esook made it 5-1, and captain Marhan Jalil sealed the win with a penalty corner conversion in the 57th minute.
Sarjit was glad to see the team bounce back after the early scare.
"We had a nervy start with that threat, but the team managed to come back.
"We used the ball well, the back four were quick and the defence was good. We created chances to score and converted them," said Sarjit.
The team will face Pakistan next on Monday, followed by their final group stage match against China on Wednesday.
