BUKIT JALIL: The national hockey team walked out with heads hung low after finishing sixth at the Nations Cup on Saturday (June 21). 

The Speedy Tigers’ weaknesses once again were laid bare as they lost 1-2 to Wales in the fifth-sixth classification match at the National Hockey Stadium and failed to meet the top five target set by coach Sarjit Singh.

Desperate to redeem themselves at the tournament after failing to make it to the semi-finals, Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan gave the hosts the lead in the 20th minute after converting a penalty corner. 

Malaysia then let their opponents catch up when Rhys Bradshaw equalised in the 42nd minute through a penalty corner as well. 

Wales’ Gareth Furlong then delivered the final blow to Malaysia in the final quarter, scoring the second goal from a penalty corner in the 50th minute. 

It was an extra sweet win for Wales as it was their first win in the past six meetings with Malaysia. Malaysia last won against them in 2021 during a test match at the Reading Hockey Club in England.