KUALA LUMPUR: The national women’s five-a-side hockey squad qualified for the inaugural World Cup Hockey 5’s 2024 after winning bronze at the Asia Cup 5’s in Salalah, Oman, last night.
In the third-fourth placing match against Indonesia, Malaysia came back from 1-4 down to snatch a 4-4 draw and force a penalty shoot-out, which they won 2-1.
Indonesia drew first blood through Paulina Ronsumbre in the eighth minute, before Salma Maulani netted two field goals in the 10th and 13th minutes to give them a comfortable lead.
Malaysia reduced the deficit through Zati Alyani Muhamad Zubir’s goal in the 14th minute but Indonesia struck again within seconds to maintain their wide lead.
In the second half, the squad coached by Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor staged a strong fightback to level the score at 4-4, with goals from Nurul Safiqah Mat Isa in the 16th minute, Thibatharshini James (27th minute) and Nur Syafiqah Mohd Zain (30th min) to force the shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Zati Alyani Muhamad Zubir and Dian Nursyakira Najwa Al-Wadqa Nazeri scored for Malaysia while only Nisa Indira netted for Indonesia, making Malaysia one of the 16 teams for the World Cup 2024.
“They did not play as planned. However, the players showed a strong desire in the last 10 minutes to draw level and drag the match into the penalty shoot-out.
“We achieved our objective. But to play in the World Cup, we need to make thorough preparations, especially in terms of physical fitness and mental strength,” Nabil Fikri said in a short statement.
The top three teams from the inaugural Asia Cup 5’s qualified for the World Cup, which will be held from Jan 24-31 next year in Muscat, Oman.
India won the Asian title by thrashing Thailand 7-2 in the final.
The focus will now shift to the men’s Asia Cup 5’s, which will be held at the same venue from today until Sept 2. Malaysia will open their campaign against the host tonight. – BERNAMA
