Speedy Tigers crush China to storm into Asian Games semi-finals

KUALA LUMPUR: National men's hockey coach Brendon Carolan believes his men are more than ready for the Asian Games semi-finals after ending the group stage with a 5-0 demolition of China in Gifu today.

The unbeaten Speedy Tigers topped Group B with maximum points from five matches.

Malaysia will face either Japan or South Korea for a place in the final on Thursday.

"It does not matter who we play in the semi-finals, but my players are physically ready and are all out to perform in the Games."

World No. 14 Malaysia were brilliant against world No. 20 China, coached by Australian Anthony Farry, scoring through Fitri Saari (13th minute), Akhimullah Anuar Esook (22nd), Ashran Hamsani (24th), Faizal Saari (40th) and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (59th).

The 35-year-old Faizal, who made his comeback to the national team last November, is Malaysia's top scorer with nine goals from the opening five matches.

Carolan said: "I am happy for the guys, who have performed well in all five matches.

"The immediate focus is for the players to rehab ahead of the semi-finals. We want to make sure the players are in good shape to maintain their performance.

"We also need to manage the players' emotions and make sure they are physically ready to perform their best," said Carolan, who was hired in April.

The target is the final for the Speedy Tigers.

Only the Asian Games champions will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.