PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian men’s hockey team suffered their first defeat in the World Cup qualifiers after losing to Pakistan 3-5 in their Group B game at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia on Monday (March 2).
The Speedy Tigers were leading 3-2, but the South Asian nation came back to beat them 5-3.
Goals for Pakistan were scored by Waheed Ashraf Rana (14th minute), Zikriya Hayat (16th), Nadeem Ahmad (45th), Sufyan Khan (49th) and Ammad Muhammad (56th).
Malaysia’s goals were scored by Muhajir Abdu Rauf (12th), Akhimullah Anuar Esook (14th) and Mohd Fitri Saari (40th).
Malaysia coach Sarjit Singh said the game was well in terms of gameplay, but the conversion was something to be lamented.
"We played well, but we didn't take our chances to score. We had six penalty corners and only scored one. They had one and scored one," he said.
"We have to be better in our defensive area because we gave away soft goals to the Pakistan team. This has to be rectified against China.
"Now, we have no choice but to beat China and get to the semi-final."
Malaysia will face China on Wednesday (March 4).
