Malaysia’s Tigress lost 1-2 against the Wales national team in their third friendly match but not without a much-improved performance at the National Hockey Centre in Cardiff today.
The Malaysians started with a strong attacking game and scored in the 19th minute through Nur Shamine Azureen Mohammad Badusha’s penalty corner conversion.
Hope came for the Welsh women in the 26th minute when they equalised from a penalty corner conversion. However, a penalty stroke in the 50th minute dashed the Malaysians hopes of a comeback as the hosts registered a 2-1 victory.
It was the Tigress second defeat against the World No 25-ranked Wales side in three matches. The first match on Aug 2 ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Malaysians will now play three test matches against the Welsh with the first starting on Aug 7, followed by matches on Aug 9 and Aug 10.
Reflecting on the team’s performance today, national women’s team head coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said he is proud of the players’ dedication and commitment throughout the game.
“All in all, I was really proud of the team. They fought hard to equalise but Wales put up a strong defence. The players are beginning to have a better understanding of themselves,” said Nasihin.
He added that the absence of forward Siti Nur Arfah Mohd Nor, who is recovering from injury, threw a spanner in the Malaysian attacking machinery.