KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Malaysia beat Thailand 5-2 in the opening match of the winners Pool C in the men's Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan on Thursday.
Skipper Najmi Farizal Jazlan scored a brace in the fourth and ninth minutes. Izham Azhar (18th), Abdul Khaliq Hairin (29th) and Faridzul Afiq (37th) delivered the other goals for Malaysia.
Thailand replied through captain Warawut A-Nukoon in the 30th and 34th.
However, Malaysia will face a strong challenge against eight-time champions Iran on Friday.
Iran will want to avenge their defeat against Malaysia after losing in the final in the last Asia Cup in Bangkok in 2022.
In an earlier match, Iran beat Kazakhstan 5-3 in Group C.
