Malaysia defeat Ghana 2-0 to enter semi finals

New Delhi, March 12, 2015: In the first quarter final match of Hero FIH Hockey World League Round 2 (Women) played between Malaysia and Ghana, the women from Malaysia defeated Ghana 2-0 to advance into the semis of the League. Being played at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, the match was an intensive and nail biting clash with both the teams playing at their best with an aim to qualify for the semi finals.

The match had an interesting start where both the teams came out all attacking and showcased a fast paced game from the very beginning. Despite very positive play from Ghana, Malaysia took an early lead in the game when Norazlin Sumantri flawlessly converted a penalty corner awarded to her side in the 3rd minute of the match. Ghana made attempts to score but could not find any gaps to put the ball in the net.

The momentum of the match changed in the second quarter when Ghana intensified their game play and continuously attacked the goal post while Malaysia slowed down their play a bit. While Ghana missed a couple of scoring prospects, Hanis Onn of Malaysia scored a brilliant field goal in the 25th minute of the match to double the lead for her team. The scores at half time stood at 2-0 with Malaysia in the forefront.

With a lead of 2-0 over Ghana, the confident Malaysian eves tried to build pressure on the opponent team in the third quarter of the match and displayed some lovely moves and stick-work. Women from Ghana were also at their finest with a very well organized defense, leaving no opening for the opposite team to reach for the nets. Amidst a neck and neck fight between the teams, the third quarter remained goal-less before giving way to the last quarter.

Malaysia earned two successive penalty corners in the early minutes of the last quarter but failed to capitalize the opportunities. Ghana, with an impressive positioning sense on the field, played a considerably improved game of hockey and managed to restrict the Malaysian women from scoring further. The scoreboard showed a final score of 2-0 at the blow of the final whistle announcing a win for Malaysia as they successfully managed to book a berth in the semi finals of the League.

Speaking on the match, Coach of Malaysia Md Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said, "Every team in the tournament is improving and the games are getting tougher with each match. Ghana is giving a good fight to almost all the teams and played well even today. I am content with our score today. Players are much motivated and well prepared for the next challenge as our main focus is reaching the finals of the tournament.”

Commenting on the match, Coach of Ghana Osei Boakye-Yiadom said, “We have put in our best efforts to improve, however Malaysia took their chances in the game and we could not. We had a few opportunities to score but failed to convert whereas Malaysia succeeded. With every match we are trying to gain experience and learn as much as we can so that the next match can be better.”

A HI Press release