IPOH: Sarjit Singh celebrated his first official victory as the national hockey coach when Malaysia thrashed Canada 6-2 in their second Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup match at the Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh, on Sunday.
World No. 19 Canada gave defending champions Malaysia a jolt after Devohn Noronha-Teixeira opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
Stunned by the goal, world No. 13 Malaysia replied through Fitri Saari (13th minute), Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (14th), Azimuddin Kamaruddin (19th), and Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi (31st).
Canada reduced the deficit through Avjot Buttar (42nd) to make it 4-2, but goals from Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan (48th) and Faisal Saari (49th) saw the Speedy Tigers romping to a comfortable win.
Despite the resounding victory, Sarjit said his men played well only in patches.
He reminded his players to raise their game when they face world No. 10 New Zealand in their next match on Tuesday.
"We played well in patches. We gave away an early goal but bounced back with two quick goals. After taking a 4-1 lead, our performance dipped, and we allowed the opponents to score a goal. We scored two more goals after that," said Sarjit in the post-match press conference.
"I am still not satisfied. We shouldn't have conceded two goals today. We need to strengthen our defending." Sarjit added: "Playing New Zealand will be difficult as they are a complete side."
In an earlier match, Pakistan recorded their second win after whipping South Korea 4-0 with goals from Shahid Hannan (third), Liaqat Arshad (20th), Ali Ghazanfar (27th), and Sufyan Khan (50th)."
RESULTS
New Zealand 1 Japan 4
South Korea 0 Pakistan 4
Canada 2 Malaysia 6
FIXTURES
TUESDAY
Canada v South Korea (4pm)
Pakistan v Japan (6.15pm)
Malaysia v New Zealand (8.30pm)
* Matches at Azlan Shah Stadium, Ipoh.