SOJC: Pakistan Outclass Malaysia 7-2 In Opening Match

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The Young Tigers were thrashed 7-2 by Pakistan in their opening match of the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) International Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here tonight.

Pakistan opened the scoring as early as the third minute through a penalty corner conversion by Sufyan Khan.

Malaysia, under the guidance of head coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, drew level in the 20th minute via a penalty corner goal by Ammar Qusyairi Abd Halim, but a minute later, Sufyan struck again to restore Pakistan’s lead at 2-1.

Pakistan captain Hannan Shahid added a third with a field goal in the 30th minute.

The visitors continued their dominance with two more quick goals — by Khan Nadeem in the 32nd minute and Sufyan in the 34th, both from penalty corners — to lead 5-1.

Malaysia reduced the deficit to 2-5 a minute later through a penalty corner goal by Azimuddin Shakir Kamaruddin.

However, Pakistan remained unstoppable in the second half as Khan Nadeem scored his second of the night in the 44th minute, again from a penalty corner, followed by a field goal from Fayyaz Hamza in the 52nd minute to seal a convincing 7-2 victory.

In the post-match press conference, Nor Saiful said the defeat was due to the team’s lack of maturity in handling open play.

“We can’t rely on the old style of waiting for the ball. We must play openly, one-on-one. We did have our chances in the match, but there’s still much to improve before the next game. Pakistan are an experienced side with some players who also feature in their senior squad,” he said.

Earlier, India defeated Great Britain 3-2 in the tournament’s opening match.

The Young Tigers are scheduled to face Australia tomorrow at 6.15 pm.

-- BERNAMA