Malaysia’s women’s team beat Pinoke Hockey Club

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s women’s hockey team are shaping up well for the semi-final round of the World Women’s Hockey League (WHWL) in Brussels, Belgium from June 21-July 2.

The Malaysian Tigress came back from 0-2 down to beat Pinoke Hockey Club 4-2 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Thursday.

The win is the second for the team under coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah. On Wednesday, the Malaysian Tigress beat HIC Hockey Club 3-1 in another warm-up match.

The match yesterday saw Pinoke taking a two-goal lead with goals in the 18th and 36th minute before Hanis Nadiah Onn pulled one back when she scored just one minute later.

The Malaysian Tigress then piled on the pressure and were rewarded when Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri scored the equaliser in the 41st minute.

The goal emboldened the team who pressed their opponents and got the third goal when Fazilla Sylverster Silin scored six minutes later to put Malaysia 3-2 up.

Newcomer Wan Norfaezah Md Saiuti, 21, was the toast of the Malaysian Tigress when she scored a beautiful goal in the 56th minute to wrap up the match at 4-2.

“Wan Norfaezah scored an outstanding solo goal with a brilliant top corner of the net shot that shocked everyone in the stadium. It feels good to beat Pinoke since we drew 1-1 with them earlier,” said Dharma Raj.

The Malaysian Tigress will play against Hurley Hockey Club in another warm-up match before leaving for Brussels for the semi-final round of the WHWL.

Malaysia will open their campaign against Australia on June 21 followed by Spain on June 22, Belgium on June 24 and New Zealand on June 27 in Group B matches.

Only the top four groups will advance to the quarterfinals which is the qualifier for the 2018 London World Cup tournament.