KUALA LUMPUR: National forward Faizal Saari outshone the world’s best penalty corner specialist, Gonzalo Peillat when he hit five goals past a hapless UiTM-KPT as Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) ran out 9-0 winners in the quarter-finals of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup earlier today.
When met after the match which was played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Faizal admitted that it was one of the best performances of his career, though he acknowledged Peillat’s obvious talents and fearsome reputation even though the Argentine had a quiet game.
"I did not expect to score five goals but what I can tell you is that I made the most of the chances that came my way.
"Whatever it is I am very happy with my performance today and more so because I got to play alongside an Olympic Games gold medalist in Peillat.
"I hope to learn as much as I can from him after this while training and playing together with him.
"He (Peillat) only just arrived here yesterday (Wednesday). So he definitely needs time to adapt to the team and the new surroundings,” said Faizal.
Faizal’s five goals began in the 24th minute, followed by another in the 34th minute, before he hit another three goals through penalty corners in the 49th, 53rd and 55th minutes.
Meanwhile Peillat, who was looking to find his rhythm in the game, scored twice via penalty corners in the 45th and 60th minutes.
The Argentine star wasted three golden opportunities to score via penalty corners to add to the scoreline.
The two other goals were scored by Barreiros Lopez in the 6th minute and Muhammad Sufi Ismat Rohulamin in the 14th minute to enable THT to power their way through to the semi-finals this Saturday.