Sultan of Johor Cup 2026: Malaysia stun Japan 4-2 with late burst, Pakistan up next

Malaysia's Under-21 hockey team produced a stirring finish at the 2026 Sultan of Johor Cup on Tuesday, 20 October, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 victory over Japan with three goals in the final ten minutes in Johor Bahru. The result keeps the hosts unbeaten after two matches and sets up a meeting with table-toppers Pakistan on Wednesday evening.

How the comeback unfolded

Japan, who opened the tournament with an 8-1 thrashing of Canada, struck first through Matsuki Mori in the 19th minute. Malaysia levelled in the 27th minute when Muhammad Hafiezudin Mohd Ali converted a penalty, but Japan regained the lead in the 43rd minute through a Rintaro Sakai field goal.

With time running down, the home side found another gear. Afferul Syah Ahmad Azuan Syahrill equalised from a penalty corner in the 51st minute, Naaveennash Paniker S Thevendra put Malaysia ahead with a field goal in the 56th minute, and Dheeressh Gunaseelan added a fourth from another penalty corner moments later. Four different scorers, two of them from set pieces, underlined the depth in the young squad.

Where the table stands

The win followed Malaysia's 3-0 opening victory over China on Sunday. According to the FIH standings after Tuesday's matches, the five-team round robin looks like this:

• Pakistan: 2 played, 6 points (goal difference +9)
• Malaysia: 2 played, 6 points (+5)
• Japan: 2 played, 3 points (+5)
• Canada: 3 played, 3 points (-10)
• China: 3 played, 0 points (-9)

Canada picked up their first win earlier on Tuesday, edging China 3-2. The top two after the round robin meet in the final on Saturday, 24 October, while third and fourth contest the bronze-medal match the same day.

Pakistan clash and the road to the final

Malaysia face Pakistan on Wednesday, 21 October, at 7.35pm Malaysia time at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium. Pakistan have been the most prolific side so far, beating China 8-3 and Canada 6-2. Whatever happens, both teams still have a final round-robin match to come on Friday, 23 October: Malaysia take on Canada, while Pakistan meet Japan.

That means Wednesday's result is important but not necessarily decisive. Malaysia's remaining match against a Canada side with a heavily negative goal difference gives them a strong chance of adding points, while Pakistan's last game against a Japan team capable of big scores looks the tougher assignment on paper.

Why this edition matters

Australia, the defending champions, are not taking part this year, which opens the door for a new winner. For Malaysian hockey, the tournament is also a valuable test for the next generation of senior internationals in front of a home crowd at the 5,000-capacity venue.

Key takeaways

• Malaysia beat Japan 4-2 on 20 October after trailing 2-1 with ten minutes left.
• Scorers: Hafiezudin, Afferul Syah, Naaveennash and Dheeressh.
• Malaysia and Pakistan both have six points; Pakistan lead on goal difference.
• Malaysia play Pakistan on 21 October (7.35pm) and Canada on 23 October.
• The final and third-place match are on Saturday, 24 October.

FAQ

Q: Who scored for Malaysia against Japan? A: Muhammad Hafiezudin Mohd Ali (penalty), Afferul Syah Ahmad Azuan Syahrill (penalty corner), Naaveennash Paniker S Thevendra (field goal) and Dheeressh Gunaseelan (penalty corner).

Q: When do Malaysia play Pakistan at the Sultan of Johor Cup? A: On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at 7.35pm Malaysia time at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.

Q: How do teams qualify for the Sultan of Johor Cup final? A: The top two teams after the five-team round robin meet in the final on 24 October, and the third- and fourth-placed teams play for bronze.

Sources: Bernama, The Sun Malaysia, FIH, New Straits Times, Pakistan Era