PETALING JAYA: Hockey player Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal stole the show in South Africa after scoring a hattrick to help Malaysia beat Scotland 5-2 in their opening Nations Cup match on Thursday (June 11).
It was head coach Brendon Carolan's first win with the Speedy Tigers since he took over in April.
A revitalised Malaysian team made their mark early into the opening Group A match in Cape Town as Akhimullah Anuar Esook scored a field goal just four minutes into the match.
It took some time for the second goal to come, but Azrai scored his first of the night in the 34th minute, before Scotland’s Jamie Golden took one for his side five minutes later.
Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi then extended the lead in the 42nd minute with another field goal as Azrai doubled his goal count with a penalty corner conversion in the 49th minute.
Scotland’s Andrew McConnell made it 4-2 in the 57th minute but Azrai continued his fine form to seal Malaysia’s win with one minute left on the clock.
Carolan was pleased but remained cautious ahead of their next match against Japan on Friday (June 12).
“It’s a positive start. Now, we want to get the three points against Japan too," said Carolan.
Meanwhile, Akhimullah said the early goal was the catalyst for his teammates to keep finding opportunities to get further ahead.
“I’m thankful for the win. We knew Scotland would be tough, but we took the opportunities to score.
“I’m glad my opening goal gave the team the motivation to score more,” he said.
Malaysia will take on New Zealand on June 16 before their final group stage match against South Korea on June 17.
