YOUNG TIGERS FAIL TO HANDLE YOUNG SAMURAI

The national youth hockey squad led by I. Vikneswaran continued their winless run at the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), losing 4-1 to Japan in their second match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Vikneswaran admitted that the national players failed to stay consistent for the full duration of the match despite starting well.

"We started the game well, but when we failed to convert our chances it affected the team. After taking the lead, we gave Japan an easy goal and it changed the game.

"We failed to convert four penalty corners in the first quarter, so we need to keep redoubling our efforts to improve from now on," said Vikneswaran during the post-match press conference on Sunday.

Malaysia face India in their next match on Tuesday, and Vikneswaran refused to set any targets, treating it as important exposure for the players ahead of the Junior Asia Cup in Muscat in November.

The national team started aggressively in the first quarter, winning four penalty corners, but the attack led by Muhammad Danish Aiman still failed to find the target.

After a goalless second quarter, the long-awaited goal finally arrived in the 35th minute, when Adam Ashraf found the target with a field goal.

Japan equalised in the 39th minute when Sri Lankan umpire Mohomead Nawshad awarded a penalty stroke, which was converted by Hyota Yamada.

The goal gave Japan the confidence to keep attacking, and field goals followed from Yuto Higuchi in the 42nd minute and captain Yamato Kawahara in the 47th minute.

Three minutes later, Japan breached the Malaysian defence again, this time through a penalty corner converted by Koyo Nishida to seal a comprehensive victory.