Hockey side digs deep to stay alive

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SISTERHOOD … Fiji hockey women’s teammates Tiara Dutt (left) and Divyankar Kumar celebrate their win over Zambia during the FIH Hockey 5s World Cup in Musket, Oman on Wednesday night. Picture: WORLDSPORTPICS/RODRIGO JARAMILLO

The performance of the Fiji women’s hockey team at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman Is nothing short of commendable.

Despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the quarter-finals after a 4-all draw with 18th ranked in the world, Malaysia, the team displayed incredible resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

The match against Malaysia was a true test of their abilities, and despite leading at various stages, they were ultimately unable to secure the win needed to progress to the quarter final.

Fiji scored an early goal in the first half, but Malaysia bounced back strong and equalized on the stroke of half-time.

Fiji made a strong start to the second spell and was in control after scoring two quick goals.

Malaysia took the lead two minutes later which lasted only one minute before Fiji equalised again.

Malaysia advanced to the quarter finals with a better goal difference.

Captain Catherine Thaggard Fabiano said the team met its expectations as they did what they had planned for.

“Getting on the board early was a big moment for us, we had our chances, and our forwards took it, we were up 3-1, and they came back strong final score was 4-all. We are very happy, really close to making it to the top eight for the world cup, I guess it wasn’t our day, it came down to goal difference, the whole team played under their skin, so proud of this team,” she added.