Malaysia storm into men’s Hockey5s World Cup final

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s fine run in the men’s Hockey5s World Cup continued when they defeated Poland 4-3 to reach the final of the inaugural tournament in Muscat, Oman on Jan 30.

Arif Syafie Ishak scored from a penalty stroke in the seventh minute to give Malaysia a 1-0 lead in the semi-final clash but Poland hit back two minutes later through Damian Jarzembowski.

However, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin restored the advantage by scoring in the 19th minute before captain Akhimullah Anuar Esook scored a brace (22nd and 24th minutes) to extend the lead to 4-1.

Poland tried to make a comeback through two late goals from Wojciech Rutkowski (27th) and Jakub Holosyniuk (30th) but Malaysia held on to their lead to step into the final.

Malaysia will play Holland, who beat Oman 5-3, in a late final on Wednesday (Jan 31).