Malaysia stunned South Africa with three first-half goals to win 3-2 in the men’s Four Nations Challenge field hockey tournament in Canberra on Thursday.
South Africa surprised by resting captain Craig Jackson and their defensive play suffered in his absence with Malaysia scoring three goals in the first half from set plays.
”Craig is carrying an injury and we planned to rest him at some time in this tournament and this seemed the right time,” said South Africa coach Paul Revington.
”We need to produce another line of central defenders after Craig. It’s a pity it took them 65 minutes to get into the game,” he added.
Malaysia struck in the second minute through Boon Huat Chua off Kuhan Shanmunganathan’s free hit from the top of the circle.
Kuhan then set up Mohd Amin Rahim, who flicked low past Dave Staniforth for the second goal.
Malaysia continued to find holes in South Africa’s defence and Staniforth saved twice before he injured his left knee and was replaced by Francois du Plessis, who was immediately beaten by Mohd Fairuz Ramli from Kuhan’s penalty corner.
South Africa’s aggressive start to the second half erupted in clashes with players being pulled apart by the umpires.
South African pressure produced seven shots on goal before Gregg Clark cracked home a rebound from Malaysia goalie Kumar Subramanian.
South Africa scored from their second penalty corner two minutes from time, with Denzil Dolley getting a deflection, but there was not enough time for an equaliser. — Sapa-AFP