After missing out on a Final appearance and a 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying play-off spot following a loss to South Korea yesterday, the Malaysian Tigress picked themselves up to finish the FIH Women’s Series Finals Banbridge 2019 on a positive note in third position by defeating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the 3rd & 4th placing match.
Hanis Nadiah Onn gave Malaysia the lead in the 11th minute by deflecting Nuraini Rashid’s shot into the opponent’s net which proved to be the only goal before the break.
Malaysia doubled their lead in the third quarter when an unmarked Fazilla Sylvester at the back post received a low drive across the circle to drill the ball past Czech Republic’s goalkeeper in the 34th minute.
After the second goal, Coach Dhaarma’s girls lost some discipline as they received two yellow cards which invited some added pressure but the Czechs failed to take advantage of the five-minute suspensions to Fazilla Sylvester in the 42nd minute and Fatin Sukri five minutes from time.
Nuramirah Zulkifli then added gloss to the win in the final minute of play by rounding Barbora Cechakova and smashing the ball into an empty net for a resounding 3-0 win for the World No.22 ranked Malaysia.
In the Final, South Korea overcame hosts, Ireland 3-1 to claim the top prize through goals from Kim Hyunji (46’ FG), Cheon Eunbi (56’ FG) and Kang Jina (60’ FG). Ireland’s only goal came from Nicola Daly’s penalty corner in the 59th minute.