Malaysia scored three goals in six minutes to come from behind and beat Japan 4-2 for their second win at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
MALAYSIA came from behind to secure their second victory at the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup International U-21 Hockey Tournament, defeating Japan 4-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Tuesday night.
The Young Tigers trailed twice before scoring three goals in the space of six minutes to delight a crowd of around 2,000 fans.
After a goalless first quarter, Japan broke the deadlock through Matsuki Mori in the 19th minute.
Malaysia responded eight minutes later, with Muhammad Hafiezudin Mohd Ali converting a penalty corner to level the scores at 1-1.
The visitors regained the lead when Rintaro Sakai scored from open play, leaving Malaysia trailing 2-1.
The Young Tigers thought they had equalised again in the 43rd minute, but Gagandeep Aphtar Singh’s reverse-stick effort was disallowed after Japan challenged the decision and requested a video referral.
Malaysia refused to give up and produced a decisive late surge, scoring three times in six minutes to turn the match around.
Aferull Syah Ahmad Azuan Syahril converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute to make it 2-2, before T Naveeneesh Paniker and Dheereesh Gunaseelan struck in the 56th minute to complete a memorable comeback and seal the 4-2 win.