SoJC 2026: Malaysia Reach to Final After 3-2 Thriller Over Pakistan
Malaysia U-21 stage a dramatic late comeback against 10-man Pakistan to leapfrog to the top of the standings in Johor Bahru.
The Malaysian national U-21 hockey team booked their spot in the final of the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup 2026(SOJC) after pulling off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pakistan at the Johor Hockey Stadium, Taman Daya.
The crucial victory sees Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiriddun’s side leapfrog Pakistan to take top spot in the group standings. The Young Tigers now need a win in their final group match against Canada on Friday to guarantee their position at the summit.
Malaysia broke the deadlock in the 21st minute following a brilliant combination play. Adam Asyraf Johari set up T. Naaveennash Panicker, who smartly outmaneuvered Pakistani goalkeeper Ahsan Mahmood before unleashing a sharp reverse stick shot into the top-right corner.
Pakistan came out firing in the second half and nearly equalized in the 31st minute when Muhamad Farooq’s powerful strike struck the right post with Malaysian custodian Mohammas Adib Amysar Hairul Mizan already beaten.
The visitors' relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 36th minute. An incisive pass from Muhammad Yahya Najeeb created space for Adeel to fire home the equalizer.
Adeel was on target again in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Eswaran George—who failed to cleanly trap a long ball from Saif Ullah outside the 'D'—allowing the Pakistani forward to slot home his second and give his side a 2-1 lead.
The tide turned dramatically in the 51st minute of the final quarter when Pakistan were reduced to 10 men after Waleed received a red card for a reckless challenge.
Malaysia took full advantage of the numerical superiority, restoring parity in the 55th minute through a fine field goal by Safwan Salihe.
With just three minutes remaining on the clock, Naaveennash emerged as the hero of the night, slotting home his second goal of the match to complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory for Nor Saiful's squad.
In another match, Japan returned to winning ways with a comfortable 4-1 victory over China
Credit Photo : Hokita
