Kazakh women's ice hockey team upset in 1st match of 2026 Olympic qualification tournament

The third round of qualification for the 2026 Olympic Games has commenced in Piešťany, Slovakia, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the press service of Akorda.

Team Kazakhstan lost to Slovakia with a score of 1:8 in the first match.

Slovak player Nela Lopušanová scored four times in the 8th, 15th, 17th, and 23rd minutes, while Lucia Halušková (44th minute), Lívia Kúbeková (48th minute), Emília Leskovjanská (52th minute), and Nikola Nemčeková (60th minute) netted their goals throughout the match. Daria Moldabay of Kazakhstan scored the only puck in 46th minute.

Slovakia will next face teams of Iceland and Slovenia.

The Kazakhstan women's national team will play on against Slovenia on December 13, 2024 at 06:00 pm Astana time and Iceland on December 15,2024 at 06:00 Astana time. 
Only one team ranked highest in the third stage standings will advance to the final round of qualification.