Malaysia defeated Sri Lanka 5-2 and qualified for the semi-finals of the Men’s Hockey World League Round 2 at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium here today.
Stephen van Huizen’s Malaysia’s Tigers will now face Egypt (WR: 20) in the first semi-finals match on Saturday whilst China (WR: 18) goes into showdown with Oman (WR: 31) in the second encounter.
China trounced Fiji 17-0 in the quarterfinals, Egypt skewed host Bangladesh hopes with a 5-1 win and Oman prevailed 4-3 over Ghana, placed 44th in the FIH Hero World Rankings.
The Malaysians claimed victory after having to endeavour rough and tough moments against the Sri Lankans who resorted to a physical game, leaving midfielder Joel van Huizen with a bruised head after taking a hit from Samida de Costha in an off the ball incident. Samida received a red card for his unwarranted action.
Forward Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rosemi also suffered injuries on the shin and wrist while midfielder Muhammad Azri Hassan received treatment for a shin injury.
The Malaysians must now beat Egypt on Saturday to book a ticket to the World League Semi-Finals in South Africa or London as only the finalist in Dhaka qualifies for Round 3.
“We are happy to get through without major injuries as it was quite a physical game. We didn’t have the best game but good enough to create chances to win comfortably,” said Stephen.
“Sri Lanka’s two goals off penalty corners were unfortunate as the deflection caught our defence by surprise but we should not have conceded them. We have a day’s rest to treat the injuries, re-energised ourselves and look through the videos and prepare for Egypt,” he added.
Ramadan Rosli scored a ninth minute field goal but Sri Lanka equalised six minutes later through K. Nalantha before the World No 13 Malaysians charged back with goals from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (18th), Ramadan (22nd), Nik Aiman (23rd) and Rashid Baharom (29th).
The other Sri Lanka goal was scored by D. Ishanka in the 27th minute.
“Nik Aiman and Muhammad Azri did not suffer serious injuries and should recover with proper treatment. It was quite a physical game with the Sri Lanka players intentionally hitting our players with their follow through,” observed Stephen.
Results – Quarterfinals: Malaysia 5 Sri Lanka 2; China 17 Fiji 0; Oman 4 Ghana 3; Egypt 5 Bangladesh 1.
Saturday (11 March): 5-8th Classifications: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (11.15am); Ghana v Fiji (1.30pm).
Semi-finals: Malaysia v Egypt (3.45pm); Oman v China (6pm). All matches in Malaysian time.
