Young Tigers fall to Pakistan in Sultan of Johor Cup

Striker Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi scored Malaysia first goal against Pakistan in the Sultan of Johor Cup on Oct 31. Pakistan won 3-2. GLENN GUAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia concluded the group stage of Sultan of Johor Cup hockey with a 2-3 defeat to Pakistan in Johor Baru on Tuesday.

Pakistan started aggressively by taking a 3-0 lead in the first half through Abuzar (13th-minute field goal), Ahmad Arbaz (21st-minute penalty corner) and Mohd Khan (24th-minute PC) strikes.

The Young Tigers showed stronger resistance in the second half, where Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi opened the scoring through a 47th-minute PC.

Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel scored Malaysia’s first field goal of the tournament when he struck in the 51st minute.

Malaysia pushed forward to score the equaliser, but Pakistan held on for a win in Group B.

Despite the victory, Pakistan finished second behind India in Group B on goal difference despite both teams being equal on seven points.

Malaysia, who finished last in Group B, will play Great Britain in the fifth-eighth placing play-off on Thursday (June 2).

Meanwhile, Australia thrashed South Africa 4-0, while Germany overcame Britain 4-3 to advance to the semi-finals from Group A.