PETALING JAYA: Malaysia staged a four-goal comeback to beat the United States 4-2 in the Nations Cup's fifth to eighth placing match in South Africa on Friday (June 19).
It was a disastrous start for the Speedy Tigers, who found themselves trailing by two goals early on as their opponents found the defence napping just a minute into the game, with Sekayi Charasika converting a penalty corner.
Things went from bad to worse in the 17th minute when Alberto Montilla found the back of the net with a field goal to double the Americans' lead.
However, after half-time, Malaysia returned to the pitch a completely different side, executing a relentless second-half game.
The fightback began in the 32nd minute when Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook cleanly slotted home a penalty corner.
Seven minutes later, Mohd Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal levelled the playing field with a brilliant field goal, shifting all the momentum back to the Tigers.
Veteran forward Faizal Saari put Malaysia ahead for the first time in the 52nd minute, before Mohd Faris Harizan sealed the 4-2 victory with another penalty corner strike just three minutes later.
With this gritty comeback win, Malaysia move on to play for the fifth-sixth placing with either Ireland or Scotland.
