SoJC 2026: Malaysia Dramatic Comeback to Stun Japan 4-2

Malaysia U21 produce an explosive late surge, scoring three goals in five minutes to down Japan in Johor Bahru.

Johor Bahru – The Malaysian national U-21 hockey squad mounted an incredible second-half recovery to overcome Japan 4-2 in a thrilling Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) encounter at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya on Tuesday.

The victory marked the Young Tigers' second consecutive win in the tournament, elevating them to second place in the standings behind leaders Pakistan.

Coached by Nor Saiful Zaini Nasirrudin, Malaysia signaled their intent early in the fourth minute of the first quarter. G. Dheereshh nearly put the hosts ahead from a penalty corner, but his effort was cleared off the line by Ryui Tanaka after Japanese goalkeeper Kazato Baba was beaten.

Despite controlling left-wing penetration late in the opening quarter, Malaysia failed to capitalize on key opportunities inside the 'D', with both Faiz Afzan Mohd Faizal and Harieq Hadief Mohd Fariq missing close-range chances.

Japan made the hosts pay for their missed opportunities in the 19th minute. Capitalizing on a swift counter-attack orchestrated by coach Yoshihiro Anai, Matsuki Mori finished cleanly to give Japan a 1-0 lead.

The turning point for the Young Tigers arrived late in the third quarter. With two minutes remaining before the interval, Canadian umpire M. Pambavasan awarded Malaysia a penalty stroke after goalkeeper Baba fouled Aferull Syah Ahma Azuan Syahriil in the box. Mohd Hafiezuddin Mohd Ali stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Anai to equalize at 1-1.

However, defensive lapse threatened to ruin Malaysia's momentum shortly after. In the 49th minute, Shogo Sasaki set up Rintaro Sakai, who squeezed the ball past Malaysian goalkeeper Adib Amsya to restore Japan's 2-1 lead.

Refusing to back down, Nor Saiful’s side launched a ferocious final assault in the fourth quarter. Aferull Syah restored parity in the 51st minute, before T. Naavesennash Panicker struck a brilliant field goal in the 56th minute to put Malaysia ahead for the first time in the match.

Just a minute later, the Young Tigers put the game to bed when G. Dheereshh converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute, completing a breathtaking 4-2 victory.

In another match, Canada secured their first win of the tournament with a 3-2 victory over China. Navdip Chandi scored a early double in the 2nd and 15th minutes, offsetting Li Kai’s 1st-minute opening goal for China. Gunoor Bhullar added Canada's third in the 42nd minute before Shi Jiashun pulled one back for China in the dying minutes.

Credit Photo : Hokita