Malaysia edged Pakistan 3-2 to maintain their unbeaten record at the Sultan of Johor Cup and move closer to securing a place in the final.
The hosts secured a measure of revenge after losing twice to Pakistan at last month’s Junior Asia Cup in Inner Mongolia, China.
Malaysia, coached by Nor Saiful Zaini, have won all three of their matches at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor and lead the standings. They are virtually assured of a place in the final, with only a match against Canada remaining on Friday.
Pakistan had an opportunity to take an early lead in the 12th minute when they were awarded a penalty stroke, but goalkeeper Abid Amsyar Hanif saved Rana Waleed’s flick.
Malaysia broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through forward T. Naaveennash Panicker, before Adeel equalised for Pakistan from close range in the 36th minute.
The contest took a decisive turn in the 51st minute when Pakistan were reduced to 10 players. Waleed received a red card for striking a Malaysian player on the forehead with his stick.
Pakistan’s disciplinary problems continued three minutes later when Mustafa Ghulam was shown a yellow card, leaving his side further disadvantaged.
Malaysia capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Safwan Salihe restoring their lead in the 55th minute. Naaveennash then scored his second goal of the match two minutes later to put the hosts 3-1 ahead.
Pakistan’s difficulties deepened when Haider Asam received a yellow card in the 58th minute, leaving them with only eight players on the field.
Despite their numerical advantage, Malaysia were unable to convert any of their eight penalty corners.
