Bump Down Under leaves Speedy Tigers shaky for Nations Cup

The Speedy Tigers together with the Australian national team after concluding their friendly matches in Perth. Credit - MHC

PETALING JAYA: The national hockey team have their work cut out for them before the Nations Cup next month after wrapping up their Tour in Australia with just one win out of six matches.

The 22-man squad were picked by head coach Sarjit Singh in preparation for the Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur from June 15-21, and they will need to buck up after a poor finish in the friendly fixtures in Australia.

The Speedy Tigers started off on the right foot against Western Australia on April 23, winning 2-1 in Perth, with goals coming from Akhimulla Anuar Esook and Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan at the Curtin University Hockey Stadium.

But that was their only win as they were thrashed 6-0 by the Australian national team’s development squad the following day at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Ranked world No. 13, Malaysia’s following four friendly matches were against the Australian national team, ranked sixth in the world.

They lost 5-2 on April 28, with Syed Syafiq and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scoring for the team.

Azrai got another goal the following day, but it was a consolation as the team lost 4-1.

On Thursday Malaysia gave away a 4-1 lead before settling for a 4-4 draw. Azrai, Syed Syafiq, Shello Silverius, and Fitri Saari scored before Australia caught up.

Their final match yesterday against Australia was another thrashing as they lost 6-1, with only Akhimullah Anuar Esok getting himself on the scoresheet.

The team will return home today before taking the next step in their preparations for the Nations Cup next month.