Malaysia beat Pakistan in Sultan of Johor Cup final

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia claimed the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) title on Saturday, thanks to the remarkable performance of goalkeeper Adib Amsyar Hanif. The final was decided in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 2-2 after regulation time. Malaysia, led by Nor Saiful Zaini, secured all five matches in the Under-21 round robin tournament. The four goals in the shootout were scored by Adam Asyraf Johari, Gagandeep Singh, Rahuul Fazrien Nazrien and Ashrafeel Iman Rizal.

Pakistan took an early lead, scoring through Ali Hamza and Rana Waleed (twice) - one goal came from the penalty shootout, another from a penalty stroke. Early in the match, Rana Waleed put Pakistan ahead with a penalty corner in the 19th minute, and Muhammad Usman added a second goal from close range four minutes later.

Malaysia fought back with two goals from penalty corners - Adam Asyraf Johari's in the 25th minute, and Dheeressh Gunaseelan in the 49th. Despite Pakistan playing with a man down after Ali Hamza received a yellow card in the 57th minute, Malaysia managed to capitalize and secure the victory. Nor Saiful commended his team for their resilience and performance, stating that they were overall satisfied with their players' efforts and their record of 100% in the tournament. Malaysia last won the SoJC in 2011.