Resilient Malaysia sailed past a fighting Korea with a fine 5-4 win in a high-scoring pool B match here at the Hero Asia Cup in GBK Sports Arena on Tuesday. Goals by Norsyafiq Sumantri (11’, 27’), Razie Rahim (17’, 52’) and Ashran Hamsani (32’) ensured Malaysia are unbeaten in the round robin stage.
While Malaysia got off the blocks with strong attack that fetched them early goals in the 11th and 17th minute through a field goal by Sumantri and PC by Razie, Korea made sure their opponents didn’t have it easy.
They constantly pushed the Malaysian defence to find space in the circle, one such attempt helped them win a PC which was beautifully converted by Jihun Yang in the 25th minute narrowing the lead to 1-2. Malaysia replied with a goal in the 27th minute via Sumantri who showed great precision in converting a goal, thus ended the second quarter with 3-1 lead.
The 10-minute break, helped Korea re-strategize their plans. Though they gave away a PC in the 32nd minute which Ashran converted with ease, a penalty stroke awarded to Korea in the 34th minute turned things around for them.
They pumped two important goals in a span of six minutes including a field goal by Kin Sunghyun which revived their hopes of a win. With the score reading 3-4, Malaysia had to push the ante. They did not bank on defending the score but they pushed in their attack, with an intent to increase the lead. The tactic helped with Razie scoring a fine goal in the 52nd minute to earn a 5-3 lead. Korea fought back with another field goal in the 56th minute via Jihun Yang but Malaysia held their nerves to take home a victory.
“We did not want to give up at any point. Korea is a good team and we know they can make a comeback anytime of the match, so we had to push for goals. This win gives us the confidence, we are here to win the title and we will fight for it,” said a confident Razie Rahim.
