Malaysia Continue Losing Streak Against Argentina In Test Match

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) – The national men’s senior hockey squad conceded their third straight defeats as they were hammered 2-7 by the reigning Olympic champions, Argentina in a test match in Mar del Plata, Argentina on Sunday (Monday in Malaysia). Malaysia who lost 0-1 and 1-6 in two previous matches, were left far behind as Argentina took a comfortable 5-1 lead at half time, according to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Facebook page. All five goals of the home side were scored by Joaquin Menini in the opening and 14th minutes, Nicolas Della Torre (sixth and 27th minutes) and Tomas Domene in the ninth minute while Malaysia’s goal came from Muhammad Haziq Samsul in the fifth minute. After the restart, the home side better known as Los Leones (The Lions) continued to dominate the game by adding two more goals through Juan Gilardi and skipper, Pedro Ibarra in the 35th and 37th minute, respectively before Malaysia reduced the deficit with a second goal from Muhammad Azri Hassan in the 45th minute. Malaysia will meet Argentina in their fourth friendly match on Tuesday (Wednesday in Malaysia). National head coach, Stephen Van Huizen has lined up six test matches against Argentina to prepare for the 2018 Asian Games in August where the national side is hoping to win the gold medal and booked an automatic slot to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. -- BERNAMA