JWC: Malaysia down South Africa to set up q-final date with France

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia pulled off a dramatic 4-3 win over South Africa to check into the quarter-finals of the 2021 Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup (JWC) in Bhubaneswar, India today.

Although South Africa fought back to level the scores three times, credit to the Malaysians, under coach Wallace Tan, for finding a way to grind out this hard-fought win in their Group A match at the Kalinga Stadium.

The Malaysians, who only needed a draw to confirm their place in the last eight, opened accounts through Muhammad Fahmi Khalid, who slotted home a penalty corner goal in the 29th minute.

It took South Africa just four minutes into the second half to make it 1-1 through a Guy Morgan penalty corner goal but Malaysia, undeterred, restored their lead through Muhammad Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin in the 41st minute.

Again, the South Africans rose to the challenge and made it 2-2, this time courtesy of Jared Campbell's 48th-minute goal.

However, the South Africans' joy lasted just one minute as Mohamad Shamir Rizmi Mohd Shamsul struck to put Malaysia 3-2 ahead.

But the gritty South Africans managed to restore parity a third time, courtesy of Campbell's second goal in the game in the 54th minute.

Malaysia, though, were not done yet. And just two minutes later, Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook broke South Africa's resilience when he sounded the board to ensure victory.

"I am very happy and proud of my teammates and coaches. Everyone gave 100 per cent, fought for everything and every ball to win this match," Muhammad Kamarulzaman said in an interview by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Malaysia, who finished second in the group after Belgium defeated Chile 3-0 later today, will now face Group B champions France in the last eight.

Malaysia began their Group A campaign with a 2-1 win over Chile on Wednesday (Nov 24) before holding Belgium, the runners-up from the last edition, to a 1-1 draw yesterday.

Malaysia's best achievement in the JWC was finishing fourth three times, namely in the inaugural edition in 1979, 1982 and 2013.

-- BERNAMA