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| Action from the Malaysia vs New Zealand match. Malaysian won 2-1 to go joint top with Australia on six points. Picture courtesy of azlanshah.com |
MALAYSIA defied the odds to defeat New Zealand 2-1 in the Sultan Azlan Cup this evening to maintain a perfect start to the tournament.
The Kiwis are ranked sixth in the FIH current rankings with Malaysia a lowly 13th, but the host took charge of the game with a display that had guts, courage and tactical discipline.
The win meant Malaysia finished day two second in the standings on six points, the same as Australia, who lead on better goal difference.
South Korea and Pakistan follow on three points each while New Zealand and India have none.
The tournament takes a day’s break tomorrow.
Malaysia played New Zealand in two Tests last week with each winning 3-2.
There were a few chances but poor finishing denied Malaysia an early lead.
The biggest cheer came in the 25th minute when Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Abdul Jalil’s attempt found Chua Boon Huat’s stick, but the ball tricked out inches wide.
Malaysia opened scoring in the 40th minute with Boon Huat netting his third goal of the tournament
Four minutes later a deflection by Tengku Ahmad hit Andy Hayward and sailed into goal, sending the stadium into an euphoria
New Zealand reduced the deficit in the 65th minute as Shay Neal dived full -length to turn in a pass from Hayward of their second penalty corner.
But Malaysia kept their composure to register their second win and keep alive hopes of finally winning the title in the tournament’s 22nd year .
SOURCE : SPORTS 247
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