JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The national junior men’s hockey squad got off to a winning start in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) 2026, defeating China 3-0 at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya here tonight.
In the opening match, the 'Young Tigers' drew first blood as early as the fifth minute of the first quarter, with defender Muhammad Nabil Irfan Mohd Yusof successfully converting a penalty corner.
Entering the second quarter, Malaysia continued to threaten China’s goal with defender Eswaran George nearly extending China’s misery in the 21st minute, but his attempt went just wide.
China attempted to mount a comeback two minutes later, but an effort by Ao You following a pass from Sun Jingran missed the target.
The Young Tigers further compounded China’s woes in the 28th minute of the second quarter, when Muhammad Nabil Irfan struck again to extend the lead.
In the third quarter, the national junior squad kept up the pressure, seeking to widen the margin.
A golden opportunity arose in the 41st minute, but a pass from Eswaran missed its mark bypassing Muhammad Ashrafeel Iman Mohd Rizal, who was positioned right in front of the opposing goal.
The Young Tigers' persistent attacks finally paid off in the 57th minute of the fourth quarter, when midfielder Aferull Syah Ahmad Azuan Syahrill scored a field goal to secure the team’s third goal.
The score remained 3-0 until the final whistle.
Earlier, in a match that took place around 5 pm, Pakistan defeated Canada 6-2.
--BERNAMA