16 hours ago
Speedy Tigers squander three-goal lead to go down 4-3 to NZ in Nations Cup
BUKIT JALIL: It was all looking good until it wasn't for Malaysia as they squandered a three goal lead against New Zealand at the Nations Cup on Monday (June 16).
The Speedy Tigers lost their speed as they fell 3-4 to defending champions New Zealand in their second group stage fixture at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Sarjit Singh's men had put on a good performance in the first half of the match, taking charge of their home field as striker Akimullah Anuar Esook gave them the lead by tapping in a goal perfectly assisted by Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 18th minute.
The game remained with just one goal until the third quarter, but as Malaysia kept control of play, they were given another chance at extending their lead after they were awarded a penalty stroke.
Fitri Saari walked up calmly to the spot and sent a shot flying past New Zealand goalkeeper Dominic Dixon in the 38th minute.
Just a minute later, Azrai got his own goal as he scored a field goal to make it 3-0 for the hosts.
But that's when New Zealand mounted their comeback as Finn Ward scored just before the end of the third quarter.
It then became New Zealand's show as Simon Yorston converted a penalty corner a minute later.
Then another minute later, it was Sean Findlay's turn to convert a penalty corner and level things up.
The final nail in the coffin for Malaysia came in the 52nd minute when Ward scored his second goal and gave New Zealand their second win in the tournament after beating Japan 2-1 on Sunday (June 15).
Malaysia are currently in third place with just one point after drawing 3-3 with Pakistan on Sunday, who are in second with four points.
Malaysia will play Japan next on Wednesday (June 18).
