Young Tigers face tough India test to keep podium hopes alive

JOHOR BAHRU, 15 Okt -- Pemain Malaysia meraikan jaringan selepas berjaya membolosi pasukan Great Britain pada perlawanan Piala Hoki Sultan Johor (SOJC) di Stadium Hoki Taman Daya, hari ini. Tamat perlawanan dengan jaringan Malaysia 1 - 4 Great Britain -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have a must-win task at hand if they want to keep their podium target alive at the Sultan of Johor Cup when they play their final group stage game against India today.

The Young Tigers will need to navigate past a tough Indian squad to get a chance to play in the third-fourth placing match at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.

Head coach Nor Saiful Zaini’s boys are currently in fifth place with four points in the six-team tournament, and will need to be in the third or fourth spot to fight for the bronze medal.

After suffering a 1-4 loss against Britain on Wednesday, Saiful said they would have to step up against a more experienced Indian side.

“We got some rest before playing India, but we know they are a very strong team as they compete in the FIH Pro League and Indian League,” said Saiful.

“They also go to Europe to play, so it will be hard for us to keep up with them but we will try to keep pace with them.”

On the tricky British players, Saiful admitted their ball control was far superior compared to Malaysia.

“We found it hard to contain their speed when marking one-on-one. Their ball control is really good and it was hard for us to convert possession.”

Malaysia had started their campaign in Johor with a 2-7 loss to Pakistan, followed by a 1-1 draw to Australia, and a win against New Zealand.