PHNOM PENH – Malaysia defeated Indonesia 4-2 to top the standings after their last round-robin fixture in the 2023 SEA Games men’s hockey competition here yesterday.

Malaysia, who took to the hockey field at the Morodok Techo National Stadium having already confirmed their final spot earlier, faced a torrid time against Indonesia.

It took two quick field goals by Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi and Muhammad Najib Abu Hassan in the 28th minute to undo all the hard defensive work Indonesia had put in.

The goals settled the Malaysian players’ nerves and they began to play more confidently, resulting in Mohammad Harris Iskandar Osman making it 3-0 with a field goal before Muhammad Amirul Hamizan Azahar added his name to the scoresheet with a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute.

However, the Malaysians took their foot off the gas and allowed Indonesia’s Derangga Raditya to score a brace through a penalty corner setpiece in the 44th minute and field goal a minute later.

Malaysia’s fourth straight victory put them atop the standings with 12 points and they will meet Singapore at the same venue in the title showdown on Tuesday (May 16).

“Overall, our performance was not very encouraging. We made too many mistakes and allowed our opponents to nick two goals. But, our players deserve praise for winning it to stay unbeaten.

“We will use the rest day tomorrow well and analyse how we can improve further. Whoever we face in the final, we will go all out to ensure we return home with the gold medal,” said national head coach Muhammad Amin Rahim.

Singapore pipped Indonesia to the final on goal difference despite both teams having seven points each.

Singapore geared up for the final by trouncing Thailand 6-1 in the other match here yesterday. – Bernama