JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 20 — New Zealand narrowly defeated the national junior hockey squad 2-3 in their opening match of the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) International Hockey Championship at the Johor Hockey Stadium yesterday.
New Zealand struck early, taking the lead in the fourth minute with a penalty corner conversion by Jonty Elmes.
Malaysia fought back and equalised in the second quarter through a penalty corner strike from Harris Osman in the 16th minute.
Despite both teams launching continuous attacks in the third quarter, it was not until Jonty scored a penalty stroke goal that New Zealand regained the lead.
Malaysia responded quickly with a field goal by Adam Ashraf in the 55th minute, but Gus Nelson netted the decisive goal for New Zealand just a minute later.
India defeated Japan 4-2 earlier in the day, while Great Britain triumphed over Australia 3-1.
Malaysia will face Japan today, with India taking on Great Britain and Australia playing New Zealand. The six-nation under-21 tournament will run until Saturday (October 26).
— Bernama
