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India marched into the semi finals of the Champions Challenge trophy after defeating Malaysia 5-4 after extra time in a thrilling encounter. Nobbs’ charges were up 2-0 at one point before the Malaysians scored four to make it 4-2. India then managed to force it into extra time with 2 more goals and Raghunath popped up with the winner in extra time to send India into the semis.
Sandeep Singh kick-started proceedings for India with a neat penalty corner conversion in the sixth minute as India went 1-0 up. He was once again the star in the 23rd minute as another brilliantly converted penalty corner by the same man asserted India’s position in the match. Nobbs’ men were the pre-match favourites and at this stage of the match, it certainly looked well justified.
However, Malaysia showed great resilience to pull themselves back into the tie. Azlan Misron looked menacing in midfield and true enough, he provided a crucial pass as Izwan Firdaus scored Malaysia’s first goal in the 33rd minute and the score remained until half time.
The second half started in the way the first ended with Malaysia pushing hard to find the equalizer and once again Azlan Misron proved why he is Malaysia’s most dangerous outlet by scoring in a flick over the Indian defence and into the goal. At 44 minutes, it was level at 2-2.
Four minutes later, Malaysia took the lead through a counter attack as Tengku Ahmed slammed it home after his first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Sreejesh. And they kept on pushing on for a fourth goal, which finally came. There was no guessing for who the scorer would be, as Azlan Misron deflected in Amin Rahim’s penalty corner shot to give Malaysia a 4-2 lead. Having been touted as underdogs prior to the clash, this scoreline definitely increased their confidence.
However, India staged a fightback as well, forcing the Malaysians back into their circle on several occasions. Entering into the final 10 minutes of the second period, they were already going all out and finally managed to score one in the 64th minute as Yuvraj finished off Sunil’s cross to perfection. Hopes were high and all their efforts were repaid handsomely when SV Sunil continued his great goalscoring form for the team by snatching the equalizer, four minutes before the hooter. Extra time it was.
In extra time, the game was much more open with both sides pressing for that coveted golden goal but when the impeccable chance finally fell to Raghunath off a penalty corner, he finished it in style to book India’s spot in the semis.
