THE Malaysian women’s team salvaged a draw against Belarus in the Olympic Qualifiers in Kakamigahara, Japan, yesterday.
Coach Nasihin Nubli’s ladies were down 2-0 by the 27th minute and it looked like they were heading for another hiding, but a second half show saw them salvage a point.
Siti Rahma ignited the fight-back with a field goal in the 41st minute, while Siti Noor Amarina salvaged the game with a penalty corner attempt in the 68th minute.
Japan, who beat Malaysia 8-0, were held in a surprise 0-0 draw by Chile.
“The first half was very panicky as my players failed to settled down after being pressed from the start. However, they were more disciplined in the second half and since Belarus beat Chile 3-1 (last Wednesday) and Chile held Japan 0-0, there are no easy teams in this tournament,” said Nasihin.
Malaysia next play Chile on Tuesday.
Meanwhile defender Sebah Kari, who got injured during the Azerbaijan match, is back in Malaysia and will undergo surgery today.
Sebah fractured the front and side of her jaw in that gruelling match and was flown home on Saturday.
RESULTS: Malaysia 2 Belarus 2, Chile 0 Japan 0, Austria 0 Azerbaijan 5.
