Saari Brothers, Faizal and Fitri led Malaysia to 5-1 win over debutants, Poland on the opening day of the 28th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, held in the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh.
Malaysia rode on hattrick goals by Faizal Saari (20′ 30′ 45′) Fitri Saari (28′) and Ashran Hamsani (36′) to beat Polland. Mishal Kaspryz (30′) was the lone goal scorer for Polland.
🏆Sultan Azlan Shah Cup | FT
Malaysia register a comprehensive 5-1 win over Poland in their opening match of the #SultanAzlanShahCup2019.
Great start, tigers! 👏👏
🇲🇾20' 30' 45' SAARI Faizal
🇲🇾28' SAARI Fitri
🇵🇱30'+KASPRZYK Michal
🇲🇾36' HAMSANI Ashran#ASC2019 | #SASCUP2019 pic.twitter.com/orZsvgV5eT— The DragFlick™ (@thedragflick) March 23, 2019
🏆Sultan Azlan Shah Cup | #PostMatch
"Poland played a very structured and organised game." Malaysia Coach @OltmansOltmans#ASC2019 | #MalaysiaHockey@hockeymalaysia | @HokitaMY#SultanAzlanShahCup2019 pic.twitter.com/k7B21ak9cU
— The DragFlick™ (@thedragflick) March 23, 2019
Malaysia will take on Japan in their next round-robin match.
Malaysia National coach Roelant Oltmans said Poland played a very structured and organised game but, he was pleased with the Malaysia’s performance as well.
“Poland was very organised for this match, specially in the first half. We have to now focus on Japan who look pretty strong.”