JOHOR BARU: India proved a hurdle too far for Malaysia in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup at the at the Taman Daya Stadium on Sunday.
The Indians were just too good for the homesters, strolling to a 3-0 win for their first title in the three-year-old tournament.
Amon Mirash Tirkey gave India the lead in the 22nd minute. Yousuf Affan doubled the score in the 55th minute before skipper Manpreet Singh completed the scoring in the 64th minute.
For Malaysia, it was their first defeat in the tournament. In their earlier group encounter on Saturday, Malaysia held India, last year’s runners-up, to a 3-3 draw.
Malaysia coach K. Dharmaraj said there was no shame in defeat: “India were just too good and strong with so many skilful players in their side. Some of them even featured in the Olympics.
“This tournament is important to us as we now know what are the things we need to do in our build-up to the Junior World Cup in New Delhi in December,” he added.
India team manager Baljit Singh Saini was delighted with his players’ performance, saying it was their best match in the tournament.
“We are happy to finally win the tournament after failing to do so last year. Winning the tournament is a big boost to out challenge for the Junior World Cup title,” said Baljit.
The stadium was filled to the brim as 10,000 fans came to cheer the Malaysian team. The match started on a fast tempo but it was India who had the chance to take the lead in the sixth minute. Luckily for Malaysia, goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman was alert to save Yousuf Affan’s attempt.
After missing their first penalty corner in the 12th minute, India finally sounded the board in the 22nd minute when Amon finished off a move created by Yousuf.
There was a bit of commotion when umpire Grant Hundley of the United States awarded India a penalty corner despite the horn being blown for half-time. The Malaysian players protested but Hundley stood by his decision. Malaysia’s Mohd Azri Hassan was shown a yellow card for his trouble.
After the breather, Malaysia pressed hard and managed to earn two penalty corners. In the 47th minute, Mohd Shahril Saabah’s low flick was well saved by goalkeeper Harjot Singh. Four minutes later, it was the same as they missed another chance.
India made Malaysia pay for their misses by increasing the lead in the 55th minute. Off a pass by Ramandeep Singh, Yousuf sounded the board.
Oozing with confidence, India continued to surge forward. They were rewarded in the 64th minute when Manpreet converted a penalty corner.
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