KUALA LUMPUR: Adam Asyraf Johari's main goal is to help Malaysia lift the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC).
As the most experienced player in the team, the 20-year-old Adam said they want to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
"It feels really good to beat top teams like Japan and Pakistan to record our third win in the tournament," said midfielder Adam, who played in two Junior World Cups in 2023 and 2025.
"The win over Pakistan last night was a big boost for us after we twice lost to them in the Junior Asia Cup (in Inner Mongolia, China last month).
"This is the best outing for us in SoJC after many years and we will go all out to maintain our winning streak against Canada to reach the final.
"Although Canada has no chance to reach the final, we will not take any chances against them.
"My teammates are in high spirits and we have been playing well as a unit. We aim to go all out to win the title and we thank the fans for all their support."
Adam made his debut for the national senior team at the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh, and has accumulated 41 international caps.
He is among 20 players selected by coach Brendon Carolan for the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, India from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
Malaysia last won the SoJC title in 2011 when the Under-21 tournament was held for the first time.
The national junior team top the five-team standings with three consecutive wins over China (3-0), Japan (4-2) and Pakistan (3-2).
T. Naaveennash Panicker was the hero for Malaysia, scoring two goals (21st, 57th) and Safwan Salihe (55th) bagged the third while Adeel scored both goals for Pakistan (36th, 43rd).
Malaysia will complete their round-robin fixtures against Canada on Friday at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor.
Pakistan and Japan each have six points and the winner of that match will qualify for the final.
RESULTS
Canada 3 China 2, Japan 2 Malaysia 4, China 1 Japan 4, Pakistan 2 Malaysia 3.
FIXTURES
Friday: Japan vs Pakistan (5pm), Malaysia vs Canada (7.30pm).
(Matches at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium)
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