Speedy Tigress Draw 2-2 With Wales

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The national women’s hockey squad began their tour of Wales with a 2-2 draw against the Welsh team in Cardiff on Thursday.

In the match at the Wales National Sports Centre, Malaysia stunned their opponents when defender Anith Humairah Baharudin converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute, before Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar widened their lead with a field goal four minutes later.

Wales reduced the deficit with a field goal in the 49th minute and equalised through a penalty stroke three minutes before the final whistle.

National head coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said he was satisfied with the performance of most of the players, as this was their first international match this year.

"The match was quite balanced, with both teams having scoring chances. However, the Malaysian attackers should have shown greater firepower in front of the opponents’ goalmouth.

"The defence, led by Juliani Mohamad Din, played well until the end of the match but made some minor mistakes which the opponents capitalised on to score,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation here today.

Friendly matches against Wales will also be held today and on Aug 4, 7, 9 and 10.

The tour of Wales is part of the Speedy Tigress’ preparations for the Asian Women's Champions Trophy 2024 championship to be held at the end of this year.

-- BERNAMA