Malaysia’s Speedy Tigers earned their first 2026 World Cup point after a 3-3 draw with France, despite a late goal being disallowed.
THE national men’s hockey squad’s (Speedy Tigers) pursuit of a first win in the 2026 World Cup campaign fell short after being held to a 3-3 draw by France in a Group B match played in Wavre, Belgium on Monday (August 17).
The result saw Brendon Carolan’s squad break the deadlock to earn their first point, though they remain at the bottom of the group behind France.
Malaysia started on a positive note, opening the scoring in the fifth minute through Shello Silverius, who finished off a pass from Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook inside the D before pushing it into the French goal.
France, displaying a balanced game, however, bounced back to equalise through a penalty corner converted by Victor Charlet in the 19th minute.
Entering the third quarter, Louis Haertelmeyer put France ahead with a goal in the 37th minute, but Shello equalised eight minutes later.
Mohamad Akhimullah then gave the Speedy Tigers the lead with a field goal in the 57th minute, but France leveled the score two minutes later through Timothee Clement to share the spoils.
Mohammad Fitri Saari almost became the national hero by scoring a goal in the dying moments, but the goal was disallowed after Mohamad Akhimullah was ruled to have used the back of his stick during the build-up, leaving both teams to settle for a single point.
Malaysia will complete their group stage campaign against hosts Belgium early Wednesday morning.
