Malaysia Vs China Highlights, Hockey Asia Cup 2025: Anuar Brace Guides MAS To 4-1 Victory Over CHN To Clinch Bronze

Hello, we are back with another hockey live blog! Today’s the day we find out who will stand where on the podium at the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup. It’s Malaysia vs China battling for that bronze medal in Rajgir, stay tuned, because this clash promises goals, drama, and plenty of pride on the line.

The Hockey Asia Cup 2025 will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLiv app and website.

Malaysia claimed a 2-0 victory over China in their most recent encounter at this tournament, reversing last year's back-to-back defeats: 2-4 at the Asian Champions Trophy and 2-3 at the Olympic Games, following a draw in 2023.

Malaysia had previously enjoyed a commanding run in this matchup, defeating China in five consecutive matches.

Malaysia face China in the third-place playoff of the Men's Asia Cup 2025 at Rajgir on Sunday. Malaysia started the Super4s with a win over China but lost to India and South Korea, while China beat Korea 3-0 before a heavy 7-0 loss to India. Both sides finished with three points, narrowly missing the final. Malaysia hold the edge historically, but China will look to end their campaign on a high in this bronze medal clash.

The stadium is buzzing! The players are marching onto the pitch, greeted by cheers that echo across the stands. Malaysia and China are ready for action in this nail-biting third-place clash of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025. The crowd rises to its feet as each player is introduced, sticks in hand, eyes sharp and focused. You can feel the tension and excitement building, this isn’t just a match, it’s a battle for pride, and both sides look ready to give it their all

Stay tuned, the first whistle is just moments away.

Big moment at Rajgir! Saari Fitri plays his 200th match, and the crowd is loving it. National anthems kick off, China first, then Malaysia, players stand tall, sticks ready, tension at its peak. The game is about to explode into action.

The players are in position, sticks down, and we’re underway in Rajgir! China take the first move, sending the ball rolling and setting the pace for this intense bronze medal showdown. The crowd is buzzing, let’s see who grabs the early momentum.

Malaysia push into the circle, looking for an opening. A daring angular shot comes flying, but the Chinese goalie is all over it, clearing it easily. The crowd reacts, Malaysia are testing them, but China’s defence is rock solid.

Malaysia earn a penalty corner, the perfect chance to strike! The crowd holds its breath, and YES! Sumantri Norsyafiq fires it home. Malaysia take the lead in a thrilling start at Rajgir.

The first quarter comes to a close with Malaysia dominating the play. Sumantri Norsyafiq’s early goal has them leading 1-0, and they’ve controlled the pace, testing China’s defence repeatedly. Momentum is firmly with Malaysia as they head into the next quarter.

We’re into the second quarter now! China will be hunting for an equaliser and more, while Malaysia look to protect their lead and keep the pressure on. The tension is rising, anything can happen.

It’s getting tougher for China as Malaysia attack in full flow, storming the circle again and again. But China’s defence is holding strong, for how long, though? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as the action heats up.

A long corner goes Malaysia’s way, but it fizzles out, and the pace slows a bit as half-time approaches. Still, Malaysia are giving it their all, pushing hard to double their lead before the break.

Half-time in Rajgir! Malaysia hold the lead, 1-0, after a dominant first half. China tried hard, but it’s been all defence for them, barely any attacking play to speak of. Malaysia look confident, China need a plan for the second half.

The second half is underway! China will be desperate to turn things around, while Malaysia look to hold their lead and keep the pressure on. The tension is building, who will seize control now?

And Malaysia aren’t slowing down! The ball races across the pitch, and every pass, every strike seems to spell trouble for China. Akhimullah Anuar’s brilliance has them 2-0 up, and the crowd is loving it. China are scrambling, chasing shadows, but Malaysia are dictating the game, attacking with confidence and precision.

The second half is shaping up to be a one-sided show, but the intensity is electric, every stick, every tackle could change the story.

China earn consecutive penalty corners, a chance to claw back into the game, but nothing comes of it. Malaysia’s defence stands tall, repelling every attempt and keeping their 2-0 lead intact. The pressure is on China, and time is slipping away.

The fourth quarter is underway! Malaysia look to protect their lead, while China will throw everything forward, desperate to turn the game around. The tension is at its peak, every pass and tackle counts now.

At 50', Akhimullah Anuar strikes again, completing his brace and sending Malaysia further ahead at 3-0. The crowd erupts, roaring with every move, as China scramble to regroup. Malaysia are dictating the pace, attacking with precision, and putting China under relentless pressure. The bronze medal clash is slipping further from China’s grasp.

China earn a penalty corner, a golden chance to bring one back, but Malaysia’s defence is rock solid, nothing comes of it. Time is slipping away, and the lead remains 3-0.

Finally, after six penalty corners going to waste, China make it count on their 7th attempt. Gao Jiesheng finds the net, pulling one back and giving China a lifeline at 3-1. The crowd roars, the game is heating up again.

Drama unfolds as Du Shihao gets a five-minute suspension. Just before that, he tried some tricky moves to earn a penalty corner, clever stuff, but the umpire has had enough. He’s now off the pitch with a yellow card, leaving China a man down at a crucial stage. Malaysia smell the opportunity.

Finally, Syed Cholan gives Malaysia something extra to celebrate. He steps up and converts the penalty corner, adding another goal to Malaysia’s tally. The crowd goes wild, Malaysia are now 4-1 up, and Cholan has left his mark on this bronze medal clash.

That’s a wrap from the bronze medal clash! Malaysia take the bronze with a commanding 4-1 win over China. Now, all eyes shift to the final between India and South Korea, stay tuned for our live coverage as the hunt for gold kicks off.