Malaysia U21 men’s hockey team finally found their rhythm in the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), claiming their first win of the tournament with a thrilling 4–2 victory over New Zealand at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium tonight.
After a tight opening quarter, Malaysia’s first real opportunity came in the 13th minute when Azimuddin Shakir Kamaruddin’s penalty corner attempt was brilliantly blocked by New Zealand goalkeeper Hugh Nixon.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second quarter when Ammar Qusyairi Abd Halim set up P. Naaveenesh, who coolly slotted the ball between Nixon’s legs to give Malaysia a 1–0 lead.
The hosts doubled their advantage six minutes later as Naaveenesh struck again — his second goal of the night — after receiving a precise pass from Danish Aiman Khairul Anuar and finishing clinically from close range.
Malaysia’s attacking momentum continued when Ammar Qusyairi turned scorer in the 23rd minute, deflecting Danish Aiman’s cross from the right flank past Nixon to make it 3–0.
The Black Sticks showed resilience in the second half, earning three consecutive penalty corners in the 39th minute, but Malaysian goalkeeper Haziq Muizuddin Hairul Mizan stood tall to deny all attempts.
Persistent pressure finally paid off for New Zealand when Javahn Jones redirected Jakarta Klebert’s penalty corner set-piece into the net in the 44th minute to make it 3–1.
Moments later, a defensive lapse gifted New Zealand another penalty corner, and Rocco Ludoph converted in the 47th minute to narrow the gap to 3–2.
However, Malaysia restored their two-goal cushion in the 57th minute. With New Zealand opting for a “power play” and removing their goalkeeper, Ammar Qusyairi scooped the ball forward, allowing Danish Irfan Muhammad Saufi to tap into an open net and seal a 4–2 victory.
The Young Tigers, led by Head Coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, displayed flashes of brilliance and attacking intent to outclass the Black Sticks in a match filled with end-to-end drama. However, late defensive lapses allowed New Zealand to claw back two goals — a situation that Nor Saiful said must be corrected ahead of their crucial final group game against Great Britain.
Speaking after the match, Nor Saiful praised his team’s execution but warned against losing focus when in control.
“When we led 3–0, we had chances to kill the game, but our players lost concentration and allowed New Zealand back into it,” he said.
“We can’t afford that — when you’re ahead, you must stay calm, control the game, and look for chances to add another goal. Fortunately, New Zealand’s power play gave us space to score the fourth goal.”
He added that the team’s progress is evident but noted that maintaining composure in the final quarter remains a key learning curve for his young squad.
Credit Photo : Hokita
