Malaysia overturn Japan lead with late goals in Sultan of Johor Cup
The 4-2 victory followed Malaysia’s win over China, with Pakistan next on their round-robin schedule.
Malaysia scored three late goals to defeat Japan 4-2 at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup, overcoming a deficit twice during the match.
Aferullsyah Ahmad Azuan Syahril converted a penalty corner to draw Malaysia level before T. Naaveenesh Panicker and Dheeressh Gunaseelan both scored in the 56th minute. Dheeressh’s goal also came from a penalty corner.
Japan had gone ahead in the 19th minute when Matsuki Mori scored from open play. Hafiezuddin Ali made it 1-1 with a 27th-minute penalty stroke, awarded after goalkeeper Kazato Baba brought down Aferullsyah.
Rintaro Sakai restored Japan’s advantage in the 43rd minute, finishing a counter-attack from close range. A video referral then ruled out Gagandeep Singh’s reverse-stick effort in the 48th minute for dangerous play.
Malaysia coach Nor Saiful Zaini praised his players’ fighting spirit and said he hoped they could recover sufficiently to challenge Pakistan. Malaysia, who beat China 3-0, face Pakistan next before completing their round-robin fixtures against Canada.
In the earlier game, Canada secured their first victory of the tournament after two defeats, beating China 3-2.
