PETALING JAYA: Malaysia booked their place in the semi-finals of the Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers after edging China 5–4 in a pulsating Group B encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt on Wednesday (March 4).
Malaysia struck first in the fifth minute when midfielder Fitri Saari rifled home a penalty corner to give his side an early advantage.
The lead lasted barely a minute, however, as Wang Yaqi responded instantly with a well-taken field goal to level at 1–1.
China then moved ahead in the 16th minute through a penalty stroke converted by Zhao Yulai, silencing the Malaysian supporters.
But the Speedy Tigers regrouped and drew level before half-time when Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Rozemi converted a penalty corner in the 28th minute to make it 2–2 at the break.
The third quarter continued at a frantic pace. Faiz Helmi Jali restored Malaysia’s lead in the 36th minute with another clinical penalty corner finish. Seven minutes later, Fitri grabbed his second of the evening from the penalty spot, extending Malaysia’s cushion to 4–2.
China refused to back down. Yulai struck his second goal in the 51st minute with a sharp field effort to reduce the deficit.
But Malaysia answered swiftly through experienced forward Faizal Saari, who netted from open play in the 47th minute to keep his side in front during the back-and-forth exchanges.
The drama continued late into the fourth quarter when Chen Benhai converted a penalty corner in the 54th minute to bring China within one goal at 5–4, setting up a tense finale. Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Malaysia’s defence held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.
Malaysia will face England in the semi-final on Saturday.
