Malaysia got off to their campaign in Pool B of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 with a 5-2 victory over China in Al Amarat Muscat, Oman on Tuesday (Nov 26).
The Chinese, placed in 48th spot in the FIH Junior World Rankings, looked dangerous on attack at the start of the first quarter against World No.11-ranked Malaysia’s Young Tigers.
China succeeded in disrupting the Malaysian’s rhythm with an aggressive press and went 1-0 ahead five minutes into the game through their first penalty corner converted by Wang Yubo.
But the Malaysians came back to equalise 1-1 via Che Nur Aqilrullah Che Mohd Khairulzi Anwar’s field goal in the 17th minute.
Midfielder Che Nor Aqilrullah also received the Player of the Match award from His Excellency Shaiful Anuar Mohammad, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Sultanate of Oman.
In Group A matches of the day, Japan completed a confident 11-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, and South Korea posted a 6-2 win against Thailand.
The Young Tigers, however, turned the heat on in the third quarter to enjoy a 4-1 lead with penalty corner conversions through Muhammad Addy Jazmi Jamlus (34th) and Muhammad Khairul Norizam (43rd) while Naaveennash Panicker scored a field goal in the 44th minute.
The Chinese continued to create chances and reduced the deficit to 4-2 one minute into the fourth quarter. Zhang Jialiang sneaked the ball past goalkeeper Mohamad Rafaizul from a goalmouth melee.
But it was not enough to thwart an emphatic 5-2 Malaysia victory when Muhammad Danish Danial Abdul Wahab found the back of the net in a 59th minute via a penalty corner conversion.
The Malaysians will next take on Oman in their second Pool B match on Wednesday (Nov 27) while Pakistan will play their first match in the tournament against China. In Pool A, defending champions India go up against Thailand, and the South Koreans entertain Chinese Taipei.
