| Fadhil Yunus in Singapore |
BRUNEI women national team fell to an 8-0 defeat at the hands of Kazakhstan on the third day of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World League at Sengkang Hockey Stadium in Singapore yesterday.
National coach Shaiful Azli bin Abdul Rahman noted that the structure of the team was still present despite back-to-back losses against quality oppositions in Thailand and Kazakhstan.
However, performance levels dropped slightly against the world 33rd ranked team with fitness concerns taking a toll after two gruelling encounters.
“Our drop in fitness shows that we cannot cope with the speed,” said the coach in an interview with the Bulletin after the match.
The tie was packed with incidents, with the umpires’ officiating coming into question.
A Brunei hockey player in action during the match against Kazakhstan yesterday. – FADHIL YUNUS
Leading 4-0, Kazakhstan were awarded a penalty stroke after Latifah Sawal was alleged to have denied a clear goal after the ball had bounced off a goalkeeper from a penalty corner.
The Brunei camp thought the ball was heading out of play with Latifah protesting the call but as a second official entered the pitch, the decision was made.
“The ball was not towards the goal. The goalkeeper already saved but the ball was not towards the goal,” said Shaiful Azli.
The penalty, however was saved by the goalkeeper.
Of the 19 penalty corners Kazakhstan conceded, Shaiful Azli felt that three or four should not have been awarded.
Despite the manner of the defeat, Shaiful Azli maintains that the team was progressing since returning to the international scene last year.
“Overall, I think our team is improving. Now, they can combine and attack,” he said.
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