Azrai hits brace in strong victory over Bangladesh

PETALING JAYA: A brace from Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal set the tone for Malaysia’s emphatic win against Bangladesh at the Asian Champions Trophy.

The 27-year-old Azrai made his mark after firing the first two goals in Malaysia’s 6-1 thrashing of Bangladesh in their third group stage match at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Punjab, yesterday.

Competing at his third edition of the tournament, Azrai first scored a field goal in the 14th minute before doubling the lead for Malaysia through a penalty corner conversion in the 22nd minute.

Bangladesh then replied with a goal from Amirul Islam, but there was no stopping the Speedy Tigers as Akhimullah Anuar Esook made it 3-1 before half-time.

The other goals came from Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin (32nd), Shello Silverius (33rd) and Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi (50th).

They had earlier beaten China 5-4 and South Korea 3-1.

Head coach Brendon Carolan said: “It was a good performance from the team. After the first 15-20 minutes, we controlled the game really well.

“I think we did leave some goals out there and Bangladesh did play some good games as well.”

Malaysia will face hosts India tomorrow and will be out for a revenge after losing 1-5 in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games recently.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY RESULTS

MALAYSIA 6 vs BANGLADESH 1

INDIA 5 vs CHINA 2

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

SOUTH KOREA vs BANGLADESH (5pm)

CHINA vs JAPAN (7.15pm)

MALAYSIA vs INDIA (9.30pm)

(All matches at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium)