Amin Rahim guides Malaysian Tigers to Indoor Gold

The men’s national indoor hockey team made history after bagging the inaugural SEA Games Men’s Indoor Hockey Gold medal by convincingly beating Indonesia 5-1 in the final at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC).

The tempo of the match was set right from the beginning with both teams exchanging swift passes and producing quick movements to outdo each other. However, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock after a well-worked  counter attack as Shafiq Yaacob striked the ball into the net in the 4th minute.

The hosts fluffed a few opportunities to extend the scoreline through 2 penalty corners and a penalty stroke before Irwan Nazli made it 2-0 a minute before the break through a penalty corner.

Malaysia’s captain, Najib Hassan, continued his fine performance throughout the tournament with another goal after converting a penalty corner in the 23rd minute to further distance Malaysia from the opposition.

Two minutes later, it was all over as Muhamad Syafiq Syed portrayed the hosts’ dominance and prowess as he scored through a field goal to give the Malaysians a commanding 4-0 lead.

Alvin Nourul scored a consolation for the Indonesians after converting a penalty corner in the 38th minute. The hosts then added another goal courtesy of Muhammad Amirol Aideed’s field goal just before the final buzzer to condemn the Indonesians to a 5-1 defeat.

Malaysia’s coach, Amin Rahim praised the dedication and commitment of his boys as they ended the competition with an unbeaten record and proved that they are a level higher than their opponents.

“The boys’ confidence grew in each match and I’m really proud of them for having executed the game plan well today. We took control right from the start as the boys were able to decide and act fast. With limited time to prepare for this SEA Games, we’ve still managed to come this far and win it and there’s no other better feeling than this,” said the former national player.

He added, Malaysia can go far on the indoor hockey international stage and that the right efforts should be taken to ensure the sport continues to grow in this nation.

Meanwhile, Thailand men’s failed to follow suit their women’s team for a podium finish after suffering a defeat at the hands of Singapore in their Bronze Medal match. The Singaporeans emerged victorious after seeing out a 3-1 win on penalty shootouts with the score tied 1-1 at full time while Vietnam condemned Philippines to a 6th and last spot finish after emerging 7-0 victors.

 

RESULTS (26TH August 2017):

5th / 6th playoff: Vietnam 7 – 0 Philippines

Bronze Medal Match: Thailand 1 – 1 Singapore (Singapore win 3-1 on penalty shootout)

Final: Malaysia 5 – 1 Indonesia

Recent Posts

Leave a Comment