SALALAH (OMAN): The Malaysian hockey team have shown tremendous improvement in the Junior Asia Cup (JAC), and look set to claim their fourth "victim" on Tuesday.
Malaysia, who beat Uzbekistan 8-1, Bangladesh 5-1 and South Korea 3-1, will play hosts Oman in their final Group B match.
Oman have lost 2-0 to Bangladesh and 8-1 to South Korea but beat Uzbekistan 3-2.
Malaysia should beat Oman to top their group, and their semi-finals opponents are expected to be either Japan or Pakistan.
On Friday, India and Pakistan played to a 1-1 draw in Group A. India, who will meet Thailand in their last pool match, should seal the three points to top the group.
Japan and Pakistan will square off for the other semi-final spot. The JAC is a Junior World Cup qualifier, and hosts Malaysia are automatic qualifiers. With three more slots available, South Korea, India, Japan and Pakistan are the
rontrunners.
"From what I have observed, my players have made good progress in the JAC... they were a little slow in the semi-circle during the Sea Games.
"All the three matches in Oman saw my players progress steadily. I believe we will have another good outing against Oman before playing in the semi-finals.
"This is a result of rigorous training in the last six months and also from the benefit of playing in the Sea Games," said coach Amin Rahim.
And the reward of playing back-to-back tournaments is a two-week break after the JAC.
"The team will take a two-week break after the JAC as they were away from their homes for one month. After that, we will regroup and train as well as play international friendlies to get ready for the Sultan of Johor Cup followed by the Junior World Cup," said Amin.