SOJC: Young Tigers Fight Back To Beat Pakistan 3-2, Reach Final

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia advanced to the final of the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup after edging Pakistan 3-2 in a thrilling match at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya here tonight.

In the first quarter, both teams produced an evenly matched display, launching attacks in search of the opening goal.

Young Tigers goalkeeper Adib Amsyar Mohammad Hanif came to the rescue in the fifth minute, saving Pakistan’s penalty corner to keep Malaysia’s goal intact.

Two minutes later, Malaysia earned a penalty corner, but G. Dheeressh failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin’s squad were stunned when umpire Tianhe Ren awarded Pakistan a penalty stroke after a video review found that Safwan Salihe had fouled an opposing forward.

Adib Amsyar was again outstanding, saving a penalty stroke taken by Waleed Rana in the 12th minute.

Young Tigers stepped up their game in the second quarter and broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through S. Naaveennash, who converted Muhammad Adam Asyraf Johari’s pass to put Malaysia ahead.

Pakistan fought back in the third quarter, with Adeel equalising in the 36th minute after Muhammad Yahya Najeeb penetrated Malaysia’s D from the left flank and set him up.

Adeel struck again in the 43rd minute, capitalising on George Eswaran’s failure to clear the ball from the D before beating Adib Amsyar to give Pakistan a 2-1 lead.

The fourth quarter saw both teams intensify their attacks in search of goals.

Pakistan were reduced to 10 men from the 51st minute after Rana was shown a red card.

Malaysia capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Safwan Salihe scoring a goal in the 55th minute to level the score.

The home crowd erupted again two minutes later when Naaveennash Paniker netted the winner to seal a 3-2 victory for Young Tigers.

Earlier, Japan defeated China 4-1 in another match this evening.

-- BERNAMA