KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia fought back twice from a goal down in the last quarter to beat Japan 4-2 in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.
Malaysia, who outplayed China 3-0 on Sunday, meet Pakistan tomorrow and play their last round robin match against Canada on Friday.
Japan took the lead through Matsuki Mori off a field goal in the 19th minute.
Malaysia equalised through a penalty stroke by Hafiezuddin Ali in the 27th minute after Aferullsyah Ahmad Azuan Syahril was brought down by goalkeeper Kazato Baba.
But Japan regained the lead through Rintaro Sakai from close range off a counter attack in the 43rd minute.
Malaysia's Gagandeep Singh's goal off a reverse stick in the 48th minute was disallowed for dangerous play after a video referral.
Malaysia finally turned on the heat in the last few minutes to score three goals through Aferullsyah (penalty corner), T. Naaveenesh Panicker (56th) and Dheeressh Gunaseelan (penalty corner, 56th).
Malaysia coach Nor Saiful Zaini praised his men for their tremendous fighting spirit in the comeback win.
"After the tough match against Japan, I hope my players will be able to recover in time to give Pakistan a strong challenge," said Nor Saiful.
In an earlier match, Canada bounced back from two defeats to record their first win at the SoJC by edging China 3-2.
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