Malaysia Thrash China 5-1 In Asian Champions Trophy

KUANTAN (Pahang, Malaysia), Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia thrashed China 5-1 in the second match of the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy at Kuantan Hockey Stadium, here Friday night. Haziq Samsul opened scoring in the 6th minute via a penalty corner followed by another penalty corner in the 20th minute to lead by two goals. Fitri Saari then beat China goalkeeper Ao Zhiwei with a field goal in the 22nd minute to put Malaysia 3-0. Stung by three goals, China fought back and managed to pull back one goal via Wang Bowen in the 33rd minute. Malaysia piled the pressure on China when Shahril Saabah scored the fourth goal in the 37th minute via a penalty corner. Firhan Ashari wrapped the match 5-1 when his shot from a penalty corner found the net. Malaysian head coach, Stephen Van Huizen was satisfied with his players performance against China Friday night. "I am not concerned with the number of goals scored as what is important is the three points won. "The players have to step up their game if they want to go far," he told reporters when met after the match. Meanwhile, China head coach, Song Yi said he knew Malaysia were strong and admitted the tournament was as exposure for his young players. "The squad only trained for two weeks. As such, the loss to an experienced Malaysian side is expected," he added. Saturday matches 1. India vs South Korea -- 6.30 pm 2. China vs Japan -- 8.30 pm -- BERNAMA