Malaysia beats China in Group A match of Junior Asia Cup

India went through a few anxious dying moments before eking out a close 5-4 win over hosts Malaysia and register their second consecutive win of the eighth junior men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament, here today. The Sultanate squad took the lead as early as third minute through Mohamad Al Lawati and doubled the lead in the 20th minute.

But against the run of play, India hit back to draw level.

Mubashir Ali opened Pakistan’s account with a successfully converted penalty corner in the 28th minute of the match.

The second half started with India again conceding a penalty corner to Malaysia but it was bravely saved by Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera. The second one bore fruit with Harmandpreet Singh scoring with a direct flick for a 3-2 lead.

Mandeep’s second goal of the match shortly after ensured India’s comfortable three goal lead as the score stood at 5-2.

Malaysia staged a fightback with Mohamed Sufi Ismat reducing the deficit with a field goal in the 62nd minute and Shahril completing his hat-trick in the 66th minute.

India captain Harjeet Singh added: “We will try and stick to our routine and keep it simple”. We should have done better.

MALAYSIA beat China 4-0 in Group A of the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan Saturday.

“The hard work in the camp back home has helped us counter the Japan’s speed and we managed to gain our first win”.

China took the lead in the 12th minute with a field goal by Su Lixing.

The second half began with the Indian colts pressing hard on the Japanese team.

“It was tough in the first half but experience was our forte and we are extremely excited with this win over Korea”, said team manager, Brig Khalid Farani.

India had defeated Japan 2-1 in their tournament opener yesterday. “It is good that we have a rest day before playing Malaysia”.