Malaysia U21 hockey team wrapped up their 13th Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) campaign in style after defeating New Zealand 5–3 in the 5th/6th placing match at Johor Hockey Stadium, Taman Daya.
Malaysia began the match on the front foot, breaking the deadlock as early as the second minute when Harris Iskandar Osman expertly converted a penalty corner past New Zealand goalkeeper Matthew Ruetsch.
Just eight minutes later, Haziq Zunnurain Mohd Azhary doubled the lead after a clever setup from Danish Aiman Khairul Anuar, putting the Young Tigers 2–0 ahead at the end of the first quarter.
After the break, Malaysia’s momentary lapse in defence allowed Bradley Rothwell to pull one back for New Zealand in the 32nd minute. However, Danish Aiman restored the two-goal cushion 12 minutes later with a confidently taken penalty stroke — his second goal of the match.
Azimuddin Shakir Kamaruddin then made it 4–1, but the Black Sticks refused to back down, closing the gap to 3–4 through Jordan Whittleston and Dean Clarkson.
Malaysia sealed the win in the dying moments when Danish Irfan found the net with a well-executed field goal, making it 5–3 at full time to the delight of the home crowd.
The win not only secured Malaysia fifth place overall but also marked an improvement from last year’s sixth-place finish — a positive step for the Young Tigers as they build towards the FIH Junior World Cup in India this December.
Head coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin praised his players’ resilience and hard work under testing conditions, highlighting the significance of the victory ahead of the global stage.
“The players had to work extremely hard in the heat to earn this win, but they showed good character and determination,” said Nor Saiful.
“There are still weaknesses to fix, but this tournament has given the players invaluable experience ahead of the Junior World Cup in India this December.”
Credit Photo : Hokita
