Malaysia get boost in confidence with draw against India

2009/11/05

Ajitpal Singh

THE national women's team failed to qualify for the Asia Cup semi-finals when they were held 1-1 by India in a Group A match in Bangkok yesterday.

Nonetheless, the result proved that Malaysia, the World No 24, have narrowed the gap with India, who are ranked 14th.

Malaysia dominated proceedings and they were rewarded with Juliani Md Din's penalty corner goal in the 25th minute.

However, a lapse of concentration in defence led to India's equaliser three minutes later.

In the second half, Malaysia penetrated their opponents' semi circle on several occasions but failed to convert any of them.

Malaysia finished third in the group, behind winners China and India, with seven points.

Malaysian Women Hockey Association (MWHA) secretary S. Shamala said the team displayed grit and determination and were unlucky not to win the match.

"The result, however, is an indication that our women's hockey is improving. We lost 6-0 to India in the 2007 Asia Cup in Hong Kong and today (yesterday) we drew with them," said Shamala yesterday

'Our next target in Bangkok is to finish fifth as it will earn us a place in the World Cup Qualifiers."

A win for Malaysia against Hong Kong in the playoffs tomorrow will put them in the fifth-and-sixth placing playoff.

In the 2007 Asia Cup, Malaysia finished fifth behind China, South Korea, Japan and India.

RESULTS -- Group A: China 9 Thailand 0; Malaysia 1 India 1;

Group B: Sri Lanka 0 Kazakhstan 4, Korea 15 Taiwan 0, Japan 4 Hong Kong 0.