Speedy Tigress Stumble 0-5 To Ireland In World Cup Qualifier Opener

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- The national women’s hockey squad began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0-5 defeat to Ireland in Santiago, Chile, early today.

Both teams were evenly matched in the opening quarter, which ended goalless.

Ireland broke the deadlock in the second quarter through a field goal by Kathryn Mullan in the 21st minute. Caoimhe Perdue extended the lead three minutes later from a penalty corner to give Ireland a 2-0 advantage at half-time.

After the break, Ireland tightened their grip on the match with two more field goals in the third quarter, scored by Sarah McAuley in the 34th minute and Michelle Carey in the 37th minute.

Roisin Upton added a fifth goal in the 40th minute to complete the emphatic win.

Women’s hockey head coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli said the team had started well and managed to contain Ireland at certain stages, but lapses in discipline and avoidable mistakes allowed their opponents to capitalise, particularly through counter-attacks.

“I hope the players will make full use of the 24 hours before the next match against Canada tomorrow to focus on recovery,” he said in a video shared by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation today.

Malaysia will face Canada on March 4 before concluding their Group B campaign against Japan on March 6.

Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

-- BERNAMA