Malaysia’s hopes of securing their first victory at the 2026 Hockey World Cup remain on hold after the Speedy Tigers were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by France in their Group B encounter in Wavre today.
The result gave Brendon Carolan’s side their first point of the tournament, but Malaysia remain bottom of Group B on goal difference, level on points with France.
Malaysia had opened their campaign with a 1-5 defeat to defending champions Germany, leaving them needing a positive result against France to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
The Speedy Tigers made a flying start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Shello Silverius, who finished off a pass from Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook inside the shooting circle before calmly finding the back of the net.
France responded strongly and restored parity in the 19th minute, with experienced penalty-corner specialist Victor Charlet converting from a set-piece to make it 1-1.
The French then completed their comeback early in the second half, with Louis Haertelmeyer putting France ahead in the 37th minute.
Malaysia refused to surrender, however, and Shello once again found the breakthrough, scoring his second goal of the match in the 45th minute to bring the Speedy Tigers level at 2-2.
The momentum swung back in Malaysia’s favour in the final quarter when Mohamad Akhimullah produced a field goal in the 57th minute, putting the Speedy Tigers 3-2 ahead and seemingly on course for a crucial three points.
But France responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Timothee Clement struck to restore parity at 3-3, setting up a tense finish.
Malaysia thought they had found a dramatic winner when Mohammad Fitri Saari scored in the dying moments, but the celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled out.
Mohamad Akhimullah was adjudged to have used the back of his stick during the build-up to the goal, denying Malaysia what could have been a decisive late winner.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-3 draw, leaving both sides with one point.
For Malaysia, the result represents a significant improvement from their opening defeat, but the Speedy Tigers now face a daunting final Group B assignment against hosts Belgium in the early hours of Wednesday.
Credit Photo : MHC via WorldSportPics
