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Malaysia throw away two-goal lead before beating Poles

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia got off to a winning start in a five-nation hockey tournament in Paris when they edged Poland 3-2 on Tuesday.
The Malaysians had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half but allowed the Poles to draw level by the 55th minute before hitting back for the winning goal two minutes later.
Azlan Misron gave Malaysia a flying start with a field goal in the third minute and Mohamed Amin Rahim stretched the lead with a penalty corner conversion in the 14th minute.
Instead of capitalising on the advantage, Malaysia allowed the world No. 19 ranked Poland to get back into the game.

Waldemr Rataj narrowed the deficit for Poland in the 41st minute and Tomasz Dutkiewicz scored the equaliser with a penalty corner drag flick in the 55th minute. But Malaysia were soon back in front with a goal by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
National coach Stephen van Huizen was far from happy with the outcome as he felt that the team should have won the match convincingly.


“We created enough chances in the opening 20 minutes to seal the game but the players relaxed after taking a two-goal lead. There were too many unforced errors in the second half. Our performance left much to be desired,” he said.

“We cannot allow our opponents back into the match, especially when we hold the upper hand. We cannot afford to muff scoring chances. This was a match in which we should have them off early.”
First choice goalkeeper S. Kumar was not fielded as his bag was lost in transit from London to Paris. Defender Baljit Singh was also left out after injuring his arm in the last Test match against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

In another match, hosts France were beaten 4-5 by Scotland.
Yesterday was a rest day for Malaysia, France and Scotland. The Malaysians will play against the Scots today while France will take on Ireland.

Star

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