Speedy Tigress Lose 1-2 To Wales

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The national women’s hockey squad gave an improved performance despite losing 1-2 to Wales in the second match of their tour of Wales in Cardiff early today.

Speedy Tigress head coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said his charges were more organised and played at a higher tempo compared to their first match on Thursday against Wales, which ended 2-2.

"The match was evenly balanced, with both teams performing a ‘high press’. There were several improvements, particularly in building out of defence where the connection between the defence, midfield and forwards was more organised, utilising all spaces well.

"They fought until the last minute, where we had a chance to score but were thwarted by the goalkeeper," he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) today.

Nasihin Nubli believes the experience gained by playing against the Welsh national team, which mostly consists of players from the English Premier League, will be very useful and help the national team win the friendly match against the same opponents this Sunday.

In the match held at the Wales National Sports Centre, the Speedy Tigress took the lead in the fourth minute through a field goal by Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir.

Wales fought back to score two field goals in the 14th and 49th minutes.

The next friendly matches against Wales will be held on Aug 4, 7, 9 and 10.

The tour of Wales is part of the Speedy Tigress’ preparation for the Asian Women’s Champions Trophy 2024 tournament at the end of this year.

-- BERNAMA