PETALING JAYA: Captain Marhan Jalil is hoping to inspire the national hockey team to a top-five finish at the Nations Cup after avoiding an embarrassing final Group A defeat.
On Wednesday, the Speedy Tigers pulled off a 2-1 victory over the Koreans in Cape Town, South Africa.
The team had entered the match needing a win to avoid finishing bottom of the group after losing to New Zealand (5-1) and Japan (4-1).
Marhan is determined to lead the team to victory against the United States today.
"The boys gave it their best to get the win against South Korea, and now they’re looking forward to the fifth-sixth placing match.
"It will be tough against the United States, but hopefully we can replicate our winning ways," said Marhan.
During the match against South Korea, Akhimullah Anuar Esook scored first in the fourth minute, but Lee Gang-san found the equaliser in the 19th minute.
Shello Silverius then stepped up in the dying minutes to secure Malaysia the win after scoring a field goal in the 58th minute.
Head coach Brendon Carolan was relieved to get a win.
"It was a better performance for us but we need to improve. We had ball possession but there were still some soft turnovers," said Carolan.
"But it’s good to get a positive result. The boys looked better and it’s a step forward for us."
Malaysia's best finish was third at the Inaugural edition in 2022.
