Malaysia edged Pakistan 3-2 in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor, keeping their unbeaten record intact and moving closer to a place in the final. The win gave the hosts a measure of revenge, as Pakistan had beaten them twice at last month's Junior Asia Cup in Inner Mongolia, China.
How the match turned
Pakistan had an early chance in the 12th minute, when they were awarded a penalty stroke, a free shot at goal from close range. Malaysia's goalkeeper, Abid Amsyar Hanif, saved Rana Waleed's flick and kept the score level. Malaysia took the lead in the 28th minute through forward T. Naaveennash Panicker, before Adeel equalised for Pakistan from close range in the 36th minute.
A red card and two yellows
The match changed in the 51st minute, when Rana Waleed was sent off for striking a Malaysian player on the forehead with his stick, leaving Pakistan with 10 players. Mustafa Ghulam was shown a yellow card three minutes later, and Haider Asam received another yellow in the 58th minute, which left Pakistan with eight players on the field.
Malaysia used their extra players to press home. Safwan Salihe restored the lead in the 55th minute, and Naaveennash scored his second goal two minutes later to make it 3-1.
Missed chances and what is next
Despite their numerical advantage, Malaysia could not convert any of their eight penalty corners. A penalty corner is a set-piece awarded after a foul inside the defending team's circle, and such chances often decide close matches. The details available do not say when or by whom Pakistan's second goal came, since the goals listed up to the 57th minute give Malaysia a 3-1 lead, while the final score of 3-2 shows Pakistan did score again.
Malaysia, coached by Nor Saiful Zaini, have won all three of their matches and lead the standings. They are virtually assured of a place in the final, with only a match against Canada left on Friday. For Pakistan, the match shows how a single red card and two yellows can turn a level contest into a 3-1 deficit.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Last month: Pakistan beat Malaysia twice at the Junior Asia Cup in Inner Mongolia, China.
- 12th minute: Pakistan are awarded a penalty stroke, which Abid Amsyar Hanif saves.
- 28th and 36th minutes: T. Naaveennash Panicker puts Malaysia ahead, and Adeel equalises for Pakistan.
- 51st minute: Rana Waleed is sent off, leaving Pakistan with 10 players.
- 55th and 57th minutes: Safwan Salihe and Naaveennash Panicker put Malaysia 3-1 ahead.
- 58th minute: Haider Asam is shown a yellow card, leaving Pakistan with eight players.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Malaysia ne Johor mein hockey match Pakistan ko 3-2 se haraya. Pakistan ke ek khilari ko laal card mila aur uske baad do yellow cards ke baad team sirf aath khilariyon ke saath khelti rahi. Malaysia ab final ke bahut qareeb hai, is liye Pakistan ke liye agla mauqa aham hoga. Hockey ke shaiqeen ke liye sabaq yeh hai ke anushasan match ka rukh badal sakta hai.
