Sultan Johor Cup: India defeated Malaysia to reach the finals

Johor, October 17 (IANS). The Indian junior men’s hockey team advanced to the final after defeating Malaysia 2-1 in the final pool match played on Friday. The Indian team faces Australia in the final. Gurjot Singh (22nd minute) scored the first goal for India. The second and winning goal was scored by Saurabh Anand Kushwaha (48th minute). The only goal for Malaysia was scored by Naveenesh Panicker (43rd minute). The Indian junior men’s hockey team made an aggressive start against Malaysia with a view to qualify for the finals. The Indian forwards looked sharp and kept attacking, putting the hosts under pressure. Although Malaysia never looked back, India’s defense remained strong. By the end of the first quarter, neither team could break the deadlock and both teams remained tied at 0-0. Malaysia started aggressively at the start of the second quarter. India also showed aggressive attitude in response. The pressure finally paid off when Gurjot Singh (22nd minute) scored on the rebound from a penalty corner. From then on, India kept possession and Malaysia kept trying to equalise. India led 1-0 at the break. After the break, India got off to a good start but hosts Malaysia started to mount a comeback. Although India controlled the pace of the game for most of the quarter, Malaysia’s efforts changed the game and they got the equaliser. Two minutes before the end of the match, Naveenesh Panicker scored (43rd minute) to make the score 1-1 and set the stage for an exciting final quarter. India and Malaysia started the final quarter on a high note, with India once again taking the lead when Saurabh Anand Kushwaha (48th minute) scored from close range to give his side a 2–1 lead. After this, the Malaysian team tried their best to score an equalizing goal, in which they failed. The final will be played between India and Australia on Sunday. –IANS PAK Share this story Tags

Exit mobile version