Sport : World Cup: Speedy Tigers Last-Minute Equaliser Earn 3-3 Draw With South Africa
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- The national men’s hockey squad’s last minute equaliser earned them a 3-3 draw against South Africa in the last 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup Group H classification match today.
In a thrilling World Cup match held in Wavre, Belgium, Malaysia managed to secure a hard-fought 3-3 draw against South Africa in their 13th–16th classification game. Veteran forward Faizal Saari played a crucial role in Malaysia's comeback, scoring the decisive equalizer in the 60th minute. This result leaves Malaysia in third place in Group H with just two points, as they remain winless among their five matches.
The Speedy Tigers will now have to wait and see the outcome of the France vs. Ireland game to determine their final ranking. If France wins or draws against Ireland, Malaysia will face off against them in the 15th-16th playoff match. Currently leading the group with six points, Ireland is almost certain to secure a spot for the ninth or tenth place.
Meanwhile, second-placed South Africa, with four points, will compete in the 11th-12th classification match. Malaysia took the lead through Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 14th minute, but South Africa equalized three minutes later via Luke Wynford. The lead was briefly restored for Malaysia in the 22nd minute when Azrai again put the team ahead.
However, South Africa's Nicholas Spooner and Mustaphaa Cassiem sealed the match with goals in the 28th and 43rd minutes, respectively.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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