Speedy Tigers Crush Scotland 5-2 To Kick Off Men’s Nations Cup Campaign In Style

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- The national men's hockey squad started their 2025-2026 FIH Men’s Nations Cup campaign on the right foot after defeating Scotland 5-2 in their opening Group A match in Cape Town, South Africa, today.

Malaysia opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute through a field goal by Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook before Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal doubled the national squad's lead via a penalty stroke in the 34th minute.

However, Scotland narrowed the gap five minutes later when Jamie Golden converted a penalty stroke in the 39th minute to make it 2-1.

The national team, coached by Brendon Carolan, restored their two-goal cushion when Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi smashed in a field goal in the 42nd minute, before Muhammad Azrai once again got his name on the scoresheet through a penalty corner in the 49th minute.

Scotland attempted a comeback when Andrew McConnell converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute, but Muhammad Azrai capped off his brilliant night with a hat-trick via a field goal in the 59th minute to seal the victory for The Speedy Tigers.

Malaysia will face Japan in their second group match scheduled for tomorrow.

Apart from Scotland and Japan, Malaysia is also drawn alongside New Zealand and South Korea in Group A, while Group B features France, Ireland, the United States, and the host nation, South Africa.

-- BERNAMA