KUALA LUMPUR: The national women’s hockey team fared dismally on the opening day of the Tuanku Zara Cup Women’s International Indoor Tournament when they lost their first two matches today.
Coach Mohd Badrul Hisham Osman’s team lost 3-2 to South Africa and 4-1 to Namibia in the six-team tournament played in a round-robin format.
In the first match, world number six South Africa got their goals through Malikah Hamzah (10th minute, penalty corner); Gabriella Terblanche (13th, penalty corner); and Tegan Fourie (27th, penalty stroke) while Malaysia replied through Iren Hussin (26th, penalty stroke) and Nor Asfarina Isahyifiqa Isahhidun (40th, penalty corner).
In the second game, world number 10 Namibia cruised to victory courtesy of an Azaylee Philander hat-trick in the 20th, 30th and 31st minutes after Sunelle Ludwig had put them ahead in the 15th minute.
World number 38 Malaysia’s lone reply came through Iren’s field goal in the 33rd minute.
Malaysia will face Australia and Switzerland on Thursday (Nov 9) before wrapping up their fixtures against New Zealand on Friday (Nov 10).–Bernama
