Bukit Jalil: The national men’s hockey team has encountered a challenging path to secure a semi-final spot in the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup after a 3-4 loss to New Zealand in their Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia, ranked 13th, showcased a promising start in the first half, with Akhimullah Anuar Esook opening the score with a field goal in the 18th minute. The team’s advantage grew in the 38th minute when Fitri Saari successfully converted a penalty stroke, followed by a quick field goal by Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal just a minute later.

However, the game took a turn when New Zealand managed a comeback, as Malaysia’s focus waned. Fin Ward and Simon Yorston scored in the 44th and 45th minutes, narrowing the lead. In the second half, New Zealand’s Sean Findlay and Ward struck again in the 46th and 52nd minutes, respectively, dashing the hopes of the Malaysian team.

Currently, Malaysia stands third in the group with only one point. The team faces a
critical match against Japan, the bottom-placed team, on Wednesday, needing a significant victory. Additionally, Malaysia must hope for a substantial loss by second-placed Pakistan, who have four points, against group leaders New Zealand, who have six points.

The tournament’s format allows the top two teams from each group to advance to the semi-finals, while the remaining teams will compete for fifth to eighth place.

Head coach Sarjit Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, attributing the loss partly to the disruptions caused by umpire decisions. He noted the team’s initial control over the match and the subsequent shift that led to the defeat.