Malaysia Women finish sixth at Hockey5s World Cup after loss to Uruguay

National coach admits Uruguay a class above, but happy with team’s improved performance

Malaysia Women have lost to Uruguay in the fifth-sixth play-off at the Hockey5s World Cup played in Muscat, Oman yesterday. – Malaysian Hockey Confederation Facebook pic, January 28, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Women could only finish sixth in the Hockey5s World Cup after losing 8-4 to Uruguay in the fifth-sixth play-off in Muscat, Oman yesterday.

Zati Alyani Muhamad Zubir scored a brace with strikes in the fourth and 19th minutes while Nur Zafirah Aziz (sixth minute) and Nurul Safiqah Mat Isa (25th) chipped in with one apiece for Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Teresa Viana stole the show for Uruguay by hammering in six goals (first, eighth, 16th, 23rd, 24th and 25th minutes) while Manuela Vilar (third minute) and Florencia Penalba (20th) added one each.

National coach Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor said his charges gave their best but conceded that Uruguay were a class above.

“Our players produced a good and energetic performance but we must admit that Uruguay were more dominant and took their chances well.

“However, our players showed an improved performance throughout the tournament and I, as their coach, am delighted,” he said in a video clip that the Malaysian Hockey Confederation shared with the media today. – January 28, 2024