Green Shirts have another crack at Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: So, Malaysia will clash with Pakistan again — this time in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

And Pakistan will be out for revenge, after going down 3-2 to Malaysia in a bad tempered match earlier in the five-team Under-21 round robin tournament.

The Green Shirts earned themselves another crack at Malaysia after holding Japan to a 2-2 draw. Both teams were tied on seven points each, but Pakistan qualified for the final on goal difference.

Malaysia, coached by Nor Saiful Zaini, have the best record in the tournament. Malaysia routed Canada 6-1 today to post their fourth consecutive win in the SoJC after beating China 3-0, Japan 4-2 and Pakistan earlier.

Against Canada, Malaysia started on the wrong footing, as the visitors drew first blood in the fifth minute through

Chandi Navdip.

Malaysia hit back with six goals — through Hafiezuddin Ali, (seventh minute), T. Naaveennesh Panicker (15th), Faiz Afzan Faizal (22nd), Rahuul Fazrien Nazrien (30th), Dheeressh Gunaseelan (41st) and Safwan Salihe (45th).

Malaysia earned 10 penalty corners and converted three.

Nor Saiful, who was satisfied with his team's performance, said: "Pakistan have skilful players and we need to mark them well."

Malaysia have qualified for the final for the third time since the SoJC was incepted in 2011. Malaysia won the title in 2011 and finished runners-up to India in 2013.