Malaysia qualify for Champions Challenge 1 semis

The national hockey squad sealed a place in Men’s Champions Challenge 1 semifinals in Quilmes, Argentina after whipping South Africa 4-1 yesterday.

The South Africans who finished fourth in Pool B, started the brighter of the two teams but a brilliant counter-attack saw the national side establish the lead after just three minutes into the match when Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin shot home from close range, as reported by www.fih.ch.

The national side, under the tutelage of Irishman Paul Revington, doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Faizal Saari sent a low penalty corner drag-flick arrowing into the bottom right corner of the South Africa's goal.

Tengku Tajudin Abdul Jalil then scored a stunning penalty corner deflection in the 56th minute to make it 3-0 while Mohd Faizal claimed his second goal of the game with a solo effort to end any hopes of a South African fight back.

South African coach Gregg Clark's boys' reduced the deficit through their skipper Austin Smith from a penalty corner in the 63rd minute but it proved to be no more than a consolation as the national side walked out with the semi-final spot in hand.

The win means the national side will play either the winner of another quarter final match between Japan and Korea, scheduled to be held later.

South Africa on the other hand will now play in the 5-8th position classification matches.