a day ago
Malaysia start strong in U-18 Asia Cup but lose Harith to head injury
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia opened their Under-18 Asia Cup campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Kazakhstan, but the victory came at a cost after midfielder Harith Afi Rishaudin was rushed to hospital with a head injury.
Harith was struck in the head by an opponent's hockey stick during the Group B match at the Dazhou Stadium in China on Thursday and was taken off for stitches.
"He was bleeding and taken to the hospital," said coach Sufian Mohd.
"I'm not sure if he will be available for tomorrow's match."
Despite the injury setback and some disjointed play, Malaysia cruised to a comfortable win with goals from Harieq Hadief Fariq (13th minute), M. Thanesh (27th), captain Iman Faris Faizo (42nd) and Izz Ilham Azrul Ridzuan (47th).
Malaysia converted two of seven penalty corner attempts.
"The players were a bit disorganised, and we missed quite a few chances. Our finishing wasn't good," added Sufian.
Malaysia will face Indonesia, who were thrashed 10-0 by Japan, in their second group match on Friday.
Results
Group A: Bangladesh 3 Hong Kong 0, Taiwan 2 Uzbekistan 8, Malaysia 4 Kazakhstan 0;
Group B: Japan 10 Indonesia 0, China 9 Sri Lanka 0.
