A third medal at the Youth Olympics is coming Malaysia’s way after the boys’ hockey team advanced to the final with a 7-4 win over Zambia on Saturday.
Akhimullah Anuar Esook took his tournament tally to 20 goals with a hat-trick in the semi-final victory to set up a showdown with India for the gold medal on Sunday.
Noor Firdaus Rosdi scored twice while Muhibuddin Moharam and Syarman Mat Tee were also on the scoresheet as Malaysia built a commanding 6-1 lead by the 12th minute.
However, Zambia gave Malaysia some anxious moments after Andrew Moyo and Phillimon Bwali each scored twice to close the gap to 6-4 before Akhimullah ensured victory with a last-minute goal.
The hockey five-a-side team will bid to win a second gold for Malaysia against India, who stunned hosts Argentina 3-1 in the other semi-final, after badminton’s Goh Jin Wei won the girls’ singles on Saturday.
Earlier, rhythmic gymnast Rayna Hoh won a silver medal as part of Team Max Whitlock in the multi-national multi-discipline team event.
Diver Kimberly Bong fell just short of the podium in finishing fourth in the girls’ 10m platform final with 385.40 points.
Kimberly was 20.15 points behind bronze medalist Gabriela Belem Agundes Garcia of Mexico (405.55) while China’s Lin Shan (466.50) won gold ahead of Ukraine’s Sofiia Lyskun (406.10).
Malaysian pair Choong Javen and Alice Chang finished at the bottom of Group H in the mixed team event after losing 2-1 to Europe 5 and Egypt.
Alice won both her matches against Slovakia’s Aleksandra Vovk and Egypt’s Marwa Alhodaby but Javen lost both of his as well as the mixed doubles matches.