World Cup: Speedy Tigers earn first goal after 3-3 draw with France
Malaysia Hockey Team Secures First Point in World Cup Draw with France
Source: Astro Awani · August 17, 2026 at 8:25 PM · AI-assisted report

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
Listen to this article
DomainFork Audio · read aloud
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 — Malaysia’s men’s hockey team secured its first point in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after a 3-3 draw with France in Group B action in Wavre, Belgium, on Monday.
Market Impact
The result leaves the team, coached by Brendon Carolan, bottom of Group B on goal difference, despite trailing France in points. Malaysia had earlier lost 1-5 to defending champions Germany in its opening match.
Malaysia took an early lead in the fifth minute through Shello Silverius, assisted by Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook, before France equalised through a penalty corner converted by Victor Charlet in the 19th minute. Louis Haertelmeyer put France ahead in the 37th minute, but Silverius levelled again eight minutes later. Akhimullah restored Malaysia’s lead in the 57th minute, only for Timothee Clement to equalise two minutes later.
A late goal by Mohammad Fitri Saari was disallowed after Akhimullah was penalised for using the back of his stick in the buildup. Both teams settled for a point.
Malaysia will conclude its group stage campaign against hosts Belgium early on Wednesday.
Malaysian markets and investors are expected to remain largely unaffected by the result, as the tournament holds limited direct economic impact for the country.
Details not yet available on broader market reactions or sponsorship implications.
The team’s next match against Belgium will be crucial in determining its chances of advancing to the knockout stages.