Stephen: Japan tour was good exposure for youngsters

The national senior men’s team ended its tour in Kakamigahara, Japan with a 1-1 draw against the Japanese on Monday. It was an even match till the very end.

Japan scored their first goal from a penalty corner rebound in the 34th minute, just before half-time. The Malaysians kept their calm, played according to the plan and got their equaliser through Rashid Baharom from a field goal. 

National senior men’s team head coach, Stephen Van Huizen said we started off well in the beginning and were very much in the game, unfortunately just before half-time we gave away a penalty corner and Japan made it count.

“It was great to see the players come back into the match strongly and Rashid Baharom scored the equaliser for us early in the second half. The match was even as both sides were going for the win right till the final whistle.

“Overall, there have been significant improvements from the players, mainly the youngsters. The previous matches were tight and it could have gone our way but we did not take our chances. In having said that, I believe this series has served us well in understanding the players we have and the areas that we need to work on as a unit,” said Stephen.