Cape town: The national men's hockey squad started their 2025-2026 FIH Men's Nations Cup campaign on the right foot after defeating Scotland 5-2 in their opening Group A match in Cape Town, South Africa, today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute through a field goal by Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook. Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal then doubled the national squad's lead via a penalty stroke in the 34th minute, setting a strong pace for the match.

Scotland, however, narrowed the gap when Jamie Golden converted a penalty stroke in the 39th minute, making it 2-1. The national team, under the guidance of coach Brendon Carolan, quickly restored their two-goal advantage. Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi smashed in a field goal in the 42nd minute, followed by another goal from Muhammad Azrai via a penalty corner in the 49th minute.

Despite Scotland's efforts to stage a comeback with Andrew McConnell's penalty corner goal in the 57th minute, Muhammad Azrai completed his hat-trick with a field goal in the 59th minute, sealing the victory for The Speedy Tigers.

Looking forward, Malaysia will face Japan in their second group match scheduled for tomorrow. Apart from Scotland and Japan, Malaysia is also drawn alongside New Zealand and South Korea in Group A. Group B features France, Ireland, the United States, and the host nation, South Africa.