A Singapore player (right) tries to intercept a shot by his Malaysian opponent. (Photo 1 courtesy of VOXSPORTS)
Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Saturday, June 25, 2011 — Singapore went down 1-2 to traditional rivals Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Boys’ Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup 2011.
Singapore entered the match as runners-up of Group B, losing only to Pakistan, while Malaysia had finished top of Group A.
Malaysia will now meet South Korea, who shocked defending champions Pakistan 2-1 in the other semi-final.
Malaysia scored the only goal of a rather dull first half via a penalty corner through captain Mohd Fitri Saari. The second half continued to be evenly fought with Malaysia guilty of missing a number of chances. However, their long-awaited second goal came in the 51st minute and a defeat for Singapore looked a clear probability.
Singapore captain Nur Ashriq scored a consolation goal with 30 seconds left but it was too late.
In the earlier semi-final, title-holders Pakistan slumped to a shock 1-2 defeat against a very determined South Korean side.
With a fantastic first-half display, South Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung Min was the catalyst in his team’s phenomenal performance. With the score tied at 1-1 from two penalty corners and only five minutes left on the clock, South Korea’s Kim Ji Woon took advantage of the confused Pakistanis and placed a running reverse stick-shot beyond Mazhar Abbas in goal.
Korea’s superior stick and ball control and cohesive teamwork split the Pakistani defence, sending shockwaves through the Pakistani camp with their goal.
Singapore will now take on Pakistan in the 3rd/4th placing match on Sunday at 3.30pm while Malaysia will play South Korea in the final at 6pm. Both matches will be played at the Sengkang Hockey Stadium’s Pitch 1.
A Pakistan player swoops in to dispossess his opponent of the ball. (Photo 2 courtesy of VOXSPORTS)
Leave A Comment