O-man, 12 goals!

By Ajitpal Singh

THE men’s national hockey team turned on a flawless performance to notch their biggest victory in recent times by annihilating minnows Oman 12-2 in a Group A match at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
With the victory, Malaysia have seven points from three matches but they still need a good result against China, in their final group match tomorrow, to qualify for the semi-finals.
“An overwhelming result as I never expected this huge margin of victory I thought we would score about six goals but to score a dozen is exceptional,’ said national coach Stephen van Huizen at the Aoti Stadium yesterday.
“My players made use almost all of their chances today (yesterday). It is a good sign as their performance is improving from every match.
“But it is not the time to celebrate as we are not in the semi-finals yet. We need a good result against China to ensure a spot.
Azlan Misron was the toast of the Malaysian team by sounding the board three times in the 25th, 55th and 69th minutes while penalty corner specialist Amin Rahim (19th, 60th)and striker Faizal Saari (25th, 61st) each scored a brace.
Other goal scorers were Mohd Marhan Jalil (eight), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (15th), Razie Rahim (22nd), Hafifihafiz Hanafi (24th) and Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin (45th).
Women’s Hockey: India 13 Thailand 0, Malaysia 4 Kaza khstan 2, China 3 Japan 1.
Men’s Hockey: Group A: Malaysia 12 Oman 2, China 1 South Korea 3.