LAHORE – Malaysia finished their campaign in third place in the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament after defeating Japan 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out in the third/fourth play-off match at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Sunday.
The match had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out after both teams were tied 2-2 at regulation time.
Japan took the lead in the 18th minute through Kenji Kitazato’s field goal before national forward, Faizal Saari struck twice, via a penalty corner in the 20th minute and a field goal in the 47th minute.
Japan who are the 2018 Asian Games champion, equalised via Hirotaka Wakuri’s field goal in the 48th minute, forcing the penalty shoot-out.
National men’s hockey squad head coach, Roelant Oltmans said he was happy to see his squad secure the bronze medal, but admitted the players could have done better in the tournament.
“Our performance was not consistent enough throughout the tournament, but there’re many positives to take along.
“The players will have some rest first and by the end of the week, they will start the physical programme and from Nov 5, onwards we will start the regular training again,” the 64-year-old Dutchman added.
Faizal Saari bagged the tournament’s top scorer award with eight goals.
The result saw Malaysia emulating their feat in four previous editions— 2011 in China, 2012 (Qatar), 2013 (Japan) and 2016 in Kuantan, Pahang.
India and Pakistan were declared as joint winners after the final game between both teams were abandoned following a thunderstorm and heavy showers prior to the match getting underway.
