KUALA LUMPUR: National junior hockey coach Nor Saiful Zaini has urged his players to be more clinical up front when they face Japan in their second Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium tomorrow.
Malaysia opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over China on Sunday, while Japan thrashed Canada 8-1.
Nor Saiful, who has targeted a top-three finish in the Under-21 tournament, said he was dissatisfied with his team's finishing in their opening fixture.
"The players need to be more clinical, especially against a very good Japanese side. We need a win over Japan to stay in contention for a podium finish.
"Japan have shown that they are title contenders by outplaying Canada in their first match. Japan have brought new players here as they had a different team during last month's Junior Asia Cup," he said.
Nor Saiful noted that Japan are a strong side with a disciplined structure and fast attacking play.
"They even have three players who will join the senior team for the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, India, from Oct 27-Nov 5.
"It will be a challenge for my forwards to break into their semi-circle to score. Our players need to play a very disciplined game as Japan have a good structure.
The Japanese overall are good in every department, and they play a fast attacking game," he said.
He added that the bouncy pitch at Taman Daya should not affect the players and picked Japan as one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Results: Pakistan 8 China 3, Japan 8 Canada 1, Pakistan 6 Canada 2, Malaysia 3 China 0
Tomorrow's fixtures: Canada vs China (5pm), Japan vs Malaysia (7.30pm)
* Matches at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor
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