KUALA LUMPUR – The national men’s junior hockey squad ended their challenge for the 2023 Junior Asia Cup in fourth place after losing 1-2 to South Korea in the third-fourth place match in Salahah, Oman, yesterday.
The action that took place at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex saw South Korea take the lead when Lim Dohyun converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute, but Muhammad Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari equalised for Malaysia through a field goal four minutes later.
Yoo Seungho emerged as South Korea’s hero when he scored the winner through a field goal in the 37th minute, exacting revenge against Malaysia, who beat them in the third Group B match on May 27.
Malaysia had previously finished top of Group B, winning all four of their matches against Uzbekistan (8-1), Bangladesh (5-1), South Korea (3-1) and Oman (1-0).
On Wednesday, three-time champions Pakistan crushed Malaysia’s dream to reach the final with a thumping 6-2 victory in the semi-finals.
Malaysia’s fourth-place finish yesterday saw them repeat the feat in the inaugural edition in 1988 and in 2004, both of which took place in Karachi, Pakistan.
Malaysia won the tournament in the 2012 edition, defeating Pakistan 2-1 in Melaka. – Bernama, June 2, 2023
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