Women's Junior World Cup: Malaysia, Wales share the spoils in thrilling 3-3 draw

KUALA LUMPUR: Two quick goals conceded in succession in the fourth quarter ended the women's national hockey special project squad's hopes to chalk their first win at the 2022 Women's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa after having to settle for a 3-3 draw with Wales today.

In the Pool D match, Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim's side had opened the scoring through Elizabeth Epui Martin's field goal in the 14th minute but it did not take Wales too long to reply through Isabelle Howell from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute.

A spirited Malaysian team took the lead again through Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli via a penalty corner in the 33rd minute before she added a field goal just four minutes later to make it 3-1.

However, Wales managed a strong comeback with two field goals in two minutes, first by Jessica Hill in the 51st minute followed by Cerys Preston in the 53rd.

The national squad had a disastrous start to the tournament yesterday after they were thrashed 0-10 by Germany.

Malaysia will complete their group matches against India on Tuesday.

-- BERNAMA