KUALA LUMPUR: Coach Sarjit Singh claimed the Speedy Tigers were "robbed" of victory against South Korea in their final Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) round-robin match in Inner Mongolia, China, today.
Sarjit questioned the decision by match officials to award a controversial penalty corner to Korea in the final 20 seconds, while Malaysia was leading 3-2.
Umpire Tao Zhinan of China granted a review of a stick check in Malaysia's semi-circle via video referral, with video umpire Ben Grant of New Zealand advising Zhinan to award the penalty corner.
Yang Jihun capitalised on Malaysia's poor defending, converting the penalty corner with a drag flick to secure a 3-3 draw for Korea.
Immediately after the goal, Malaysia requested a video referral, arguing that the ball was stopped inside the semi-circle before Korea's equaliser.
However, Malaysia lost the referral.
Korea advanced to the semi-finals, finishing behind India and Pakistan.
A frustrated Sarjit felt his team deserved the three points.
"My players gave their all throughout the match. We performed well from the second quarter until the final whistle," said Sarjit.
"The umpire's decision to award a penalty corner in the last moments was questionable, but we have to accept it. We must learn from this for the future.
"Our chances of reaching the semi-finals now depend on the result of the China vs Japan match later," he added.
Malaysia's goals were scored by Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (28th minute), Norsyafiq Sumantri (35th), and Faizal Saari (55th).
Jihun scored Korea's first goal via a penalty corner in the fourth minute and added their third goal in the final minute, with Park Cheoleon netting the second in the 42nd minute.