KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia had the lion's share in possession and penalty corners, but could only beat Singapore 2-0 in the women's Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, yesterday.
The win, though slim, came as a relief to the Malaysian team after the 9-0 drubbing by World No 8 India in their opening game.
The previous encounter between Malaysia and Singapore was in 2019 at the FIH Women's Series Finals in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Malaysia enjoyed an easy 12-0 win back then.
Yesterday, Malaysia's goals were scored in the first quarter by Fatin Shafika Sukri in the seventh minute and Nuraini Rashid in the eighth minute.
Even though Malaysia converted two penalty corners, they missed more than 10 other penalty corners that came their way.
Coach Nasihin Nubli's charges will next meet Japan today to complete their Group A fixtures.
Malaysia are expected to face a torrid time against Japan, who were recently crowned as Asian Champions Trophy champions after edging South Jorea 2-1 in Donghae.