Going through: Malaysia’s Mohd Handzalah (middle) dribbling the ball past the Bangladesh defence during their Group B match in the Junior Asia Cup. — MHC
PETALING JAYA: The Young Tigers kept their hopes of reaching the Junior Asia Cup semi-finals alive after coming back from behind to draw 2-2 with Bangladesh in Muscat, Oman, yesterday.
The national men’s junior hockey team (Under-21) came out the gates strong as Danish Danial Abdul Wahab gave Malaysia the lead in just two minutes through a field goal.
Although coach I. Vikneswaran’s boys dominated the first quarter, they could not extend the lead as Bangladesh threatened to draw level in the 26th minute but Rafizul Hasan’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper Mohd Rafaizul.
However, Rafizul made amends as his dribble past three defenders earned his side a penalty corner, which captain Amiral Islam converted in the 27th minute.
Rafizul then gave Bangladesh the lead in the 36th minute, but Malaysia came back with an equaliser at the end of the third quarter as Khairul Norizam converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute.
Malaysia are currently top in Group B with seven points after three matches, following their 5-2 win over China on Tuesday and 9-1 thrashing of hosts Oman on Wednesday.
Pakistan are second with six points, while Bangladesh’s draw with Malaysia kept their hopes of a semi-final appearance alive as they sit third with four points.
Malaysia will play their final group match against Pakistan today to secure their spot in the semi-finals and qualify for the 2025 Junior World Cup in India.
The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals while the tournament’s top six finishers will qualify for the Junior World Cup.
