Speedy Tigers tame South Africa to book a date with Wales
KUALA LUMPUR: The national team held off a spirited South African side to record a 4-2 win in a Nations Cup classification match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
The victory over world No 11 South Africa is a timely morale boost for world No 14 Malaysia, who missed out on a place in the semi-finals.
It was also Malaysia's first win over the African champions since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
The Speedy Tigers will now face world No 15 Wales, who edged Japan 6-4, in the fifth-sixth place playoff.
Malaysia's goals came via Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan (15th minute), Syafiq Hassan (37th), Akhimullah Anuar Esook (40th) and Fitri Saari (53rd).
South Africa replied through Angelo Walstroom (30th) and Carlon Mentoor (51st).
In the earlier match, debutants Wales netted six goals through Fred Newbold (ninth), Jolyon Morgan (21st, 34th, 45th), Sam Welsh (34th) and Gareth Furlong (59th).
Japan's scorers were Ryoma Ooka (20th), Koji Yamasaki (30th), Kazumasa Matsumoto (32nd) and Kosei Kawabe (60th).
National coach Sarjit Singh admitted Malaysia were shaky in the first two quarters against South Africa.
"Although we won, it wasn't a good performance compared to our first three matches. The only difference is that we took our chances and scored four goals.
"But overall, we made too many errors," said Sarjit, a former national captain.
Looking ahead, Sarjit hopes his players will regroup and deliver a stronger performance against Wales on Saturday.
"Wales have been improving with every match and will pose a strong challenge. But I want my players to refocus and win that fifth place," he added.
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