India Dominates Malaysia 4-1, Nears Hockey Asia Cup Finale

India showcased an impressive comeback, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a 4-1 victory over Malaysia in the men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament’s second Super 4s match on Thursday.

Initially, Shafiq Hassan put Malaysia ahead in the second minute, but India responded with a strong comeback.

The goals for India were scored by Manpreet Singh (17th minute), Sukhjeet Singh (19th), Shilanand Lakra (24th), and Vivek Sagar Prasad (38th).

Previously, India drew 2-2 against Korea in their first Super 4 match on Wednesday.

With this victory, India leads the Super 4 standings with four points from two matches, followed by China and Malaysia with three points each, and Korea with one point.

After resting on Friday, India will face China on Saturday in their final Super 4 match, while Malaysia competes against Korea.

India only needs a draw against China to advance to Sunday’s final.

Malaysia played with two fewer players on Thursday as Fitri Saari was suspended due to an on-field altercation with Chinese players, and Abu Kamal Azrai was also absent.

Despite the final outcome, Malaysia surprised India by taking an early lead through Hassan, who maneuvered past defenders Sanjay and Jugraj Singh.

Although shaky in defense initially, India dominated possession and created opportunities.

India aggressively attacked in the second quarter, converting one of their five consecutive penalty corners when Manpreet scored from a rebound after Harmanpreet Singh’s flick was saved.

Energized by the equalizer, India intensified their efforts and scored again two minutes later, as Sukhjeet capitalized on Shilanand’s clever pass.

India’s confidence grew, leading to a third goal by Shilanand following a precise assist from Dilpreet Singh.

The teams ended the first half with India leading 3-1.

Malaysia earned a penalty corner early in the second half, but India’s goalie Krishan Bahadur made an outstanding save.

In the 38th minute, India secured another penalty corner, and a coordinated play concluded with Vivek scoring after Jugraj’s shot hit the post.

Although India continued to penetrate the circle in the final quarter, they failed to extend their lead.

China stuns Korea

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Earlier, China, even with two suspended players, delivered a remarkable performance against defending champions Korea, winning 3-0.

Benhai Cheng scored twice (13th, 43rd minutes) and Jiesheng Gao converted a penalty corner (43rd minute) to lead China to their first Super 4 victory after a previous defeat to Malaysia.

Bangladesh outplays Kazakhstan

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Bangladesh comfortably defeated Kazakhstan 5-1, with Ashraful Islam and Roman Sarkar each scoring twice.

Additional scoring came from Tayab Ali (34th minute), while Kazakhstan’s only goal was netted by Altynbek Aitkaliyev (38th minute).