Daijiworld Media Network - Bihar
Bihar, Sep 5: Hosts India displayed a clinical performance to outclass Malaysia 4-1 in their second Super Four encounter of the Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament on Thursday, inching closer to a place in the title clash.
Despite conceding an early goal in the second minute through Shafiq Hassan, the Indian side regrouped quickly and staged a strong fightback. Goals from Manpreet Singh (17th), Sukhjeet Singh (19th), Shilanand Lakra (24th), and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38th) sealed a dominant win for the home team.
India, who had drawn 2-2 against Korea in their first Super Four outing on Wednesday, now lead the standings with four points from two games. China and Malaysia follow with three points each, while defending champions Korea sit at the bottom with just a point.
The Indians will face China in their last Super Four match on Saturday, needing only a draw to confirm their berth in Sunday’s final. Malaysia, meanwhile, take on Korea in their concluding league fixture.
Malaysia were handicapped in the match as key midfielder Fitri Saari was suspended for indiscipline following an on-field altercation in their previous match against China, while Abu Kamal Azrai also missed out.
After Hassan’s early strike, India slowly gained control, dominating possession and creating opportunities. Their persistence paid off when Manpreet equalised off a rebound from a penalty corner. Two minutes later, Sukhjeet doubled the lead, capitalising on a clever pass from Shilanand. Shilanand himself added India’s third in the 24th minute, finishing off a fine team move involving Hardik and Dilpreet Singh.
Vivek Sagar Prasad put the game beyond Malaysia’s reach in the 38th minute, converting after a rebound from Jugraj Singh’s powerful drag flick. Although India continued to press hard in the final quarter with multiple circle penetrations, they could not add to their tally.
Earlier in the day, China stunned five-time champions Korea 3-0, with Benhai Cheng (13th, 43rd) and Jiesheng Gao (43rd) among the scorers. This was China’s first win in the Super Four stage after their 0-2 defeat to Malaysia.
In another classification match, Bangladesh registered a thumping 5-1 win over Kazakhstan to book a place in the 5th-6th position playoff. Ashraful Islam (10th, 23rd) and Roman Sarkar (28th, 33rd) struck a brace each, while Tayab Ali (34th) also netted for Bangladesh. Kazakhstan’s lone goal came from Altynbek Aitkaliyev.
With India showing grit and form, the much-anticipated clash against China on Saturday will decide their march into the Asia Cup final.