Malaysian Women Register First Win After Beating Thailand 2-1

From AHMAD MULIADY ABDUL MAJID INCHEON, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian women's hockey squad registered their first win in the Incheon Asian Games by beating Thailand 2-1 in a Group A match at the Seonhak Stadium, here Wednesday. With the win, Malaysia who lost their opening match 0-1 to China, kept their hopes of moving into the knockout stage alive. Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani gave Malaysia a flying start with a well taken field goal in the 24th minute before Fazilla Sylvester Silin added the second in the 27th minute through a penalty corner strike to make it 2-0 before half time. Thailand staged a late fight back to reduce the margin when Sakunpithak Tikhamporn scored from a penalty corner in the 53rd minute but the Malaysian girls held on to ensure all three points. Skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman said Malaysia could have scored more goals if not for the near misses. "We are however, happy with the win," she told reporters, here Wednesday. Nadia said preparations for the next match was very important because they would be facing India who are a very tough opponent. Malaysia are drawn in Group A with host South Korea, China, India and Japan while the top two teams move on to the knockout stage. -- BERNAMA