Hockey: Akhimullah stars as M’sia reach Hockey5s World Cup quarter-finals

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia fulfilled their initial target of reaching the quarter-finals after beating the United States and Fiji in the group stage of the men’s Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman yesterday.

Malaysia had overcome the Americans 3-2 in a late match on Sunday and confirmed their passage into the last eight from Group D with an emphatic 8-3 win over Fiji yesterday.

Oman, who had beaten Fiji 8-3 and the US 6-4, were level on seven points with Malaysia but topped the table with a better goal difference.

Malaysia, guided by veteran coach Wallace Tan, and Oman had played to a 3-3 draw in their opening match on Sunday.

Captain Akhimullah Anuar Esook once again showed how influential he is to the team’s success as he scored a brace against the US and also slammed in a hattrick against Fiji.

Former Speedy Tigers player Syarman Mat Tee also did well as he had scored a goal against the US and added two more in the big win over Fiji.

Syarman said that it has been like magic playing at the inaugural Hockey5s World Cup.

“We are happy to go through to the quarter-finals.

“We followed the tactics and gameplan of our coach Wallace and managed to secure the three points to advance,” said Syarman. “It feels like magic playing in this first World Cup and I thank the supporters for the atmosphere.”

Team manager Sukri Mutalib hailed the players’ commitment and the way they ended the group stage with a fine win over Fiji yesterday.

“It was a good way to end the group stage where the players were focused and committed. We finished second but the win is a boost going into the knockout stage,” said Sukri.

“We hope all the players will follow the coach’s instructions and will fulfil their responsibilities on the pitch in the last eight.

“We should not fear any team and we believe in our individual abilities and team spirit to pull through.”

In the quarter-finals, Malaysia will play Group C winners Trinidad and Tobago today.

The Caribbean team have a reputation in the Hockey5s events and showed their quality after securing a 5-5 draw with Australia in their opening game before beating Kenya 7-2 and thumping New Zealand 11-4.

Meanwhile, Oman will take on Kenya, who advanced as Group C runners-up after beating Australia 7-4, in another last-eight clash today.

In the remaining quarter-final matches, Holland will play India while Egypt take on Poland.