SULTAN AZLAN SHAH CUP: MALAYSIA DRAW 2-2 WITH NEW ZEALAND IN OPENING MATCH

IPOH, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia failed to capitalise on their home ground advantage when they were held to a 2-2 draw by New Zealand in the opening match of the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (SASC) Hockey Tournament tonight.

Sarjit Singh's men had to fight hard to block the Black Sticks' continuous attacks before successfully opening the score in the 9th minute through Shello Silverius with a field goal.

The second quarter saw the hosts widen their lead thanks to a penalty corner converted by Syed Cholan in the 21st minute before New Zealand reduced the lead to 1-2 when they were awarded a penalty stroke and was easily converted by Sam Lane in the 26th minute.

The 'Speedy Tigers' squad tried to increase the score in the third quarter but both teams were unable to produce any goals.

With three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the 'Black Sticks' squad, who continued to attack continuously, managed to equalise in the 57th minute through a field goal by Dylan Thomas.

Meanwhile, Malaysia head coach Sarjit Singh described the draw with Greg Nicol's squad as fair for both teams.

He also gave all players, including young players, a chance to play in this tournament which is also a preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, national sensation striker Faizal Shaari said the players need to focus and fix the small mistakes that occurred in this match.

"We still have four matches to go, fix the small mistakes that occurred. We also need to know that New Zealand are no pushovers, having played in the Olympics," he said. 

-- BERNAMA