Irish hockey hopes in balance

Ireland’s 3-2 defeat to Egypt at the men’s World Cup qualifier in China leaves their hopes of booking their ticket to Germany in September in the balance.

John Jermyn gave them a 22nd-minute lead but a penalty corner from Mohamed Mohamed after the half-time hooter levelled things up.

Karl Burns struck from a set-piece three minutes after the restart but Hassan Mohamed equalised with seven minutes to go before Mohamed Mohamed scored his second corner with 60 seconds to go.

Ireland still remain in position to make the play-offs for the fifth and final qualifying spot and a point-less Canada should prevent them slipping out of contention with one match to play.