Debutants South Africa defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the 5-6th classification match of the Sultan of Johor Cup International Invitational Under-21 tournament at the Taman Desa Hockey Stadium.
It was the second win by the South Africans over the Malaysians within a space of five days. They had on Oct 25 won 3-1 in the round-robin group match.
South Africa started the match on a positive note by taking the lead in the 11th minute from a penalty corner conversion by Raath Niel. Although the Malaysians were just revving up their attacking machinery engine, they managed to draw level 1-1 instantly in the very next minute through Mamat Muhamad in similar fashion.
But Malaysia’s joy did not last long as Hans Neethling extended the lead to 2-1 in the 25th minute via a field goal.
The second half saw both sides having equal possession of the ball. The South Africans were awarded a penalty stroke in the 36th minute when Wan Muhammad Najmie stepped on the ball in front the goal line during a penalty corner. Raath Niel scored from the spot, his third goal in the tournament to give his side a 3-1 lead.
Raath was also named the man of the match.
The Malaysians continued the boomerang on the South Africans. Subsitute Zulhanif Sahran scored in the 44th minute but the goal was disallowed as the ball had touched the ankle of a Malaysian player.
The momentum of the game increased in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter. Malaysia earned in total six penalty corners against eight by South Africa. Zulhanif, however, reduced the deficit 3-2 in the 56th minute from a field.
The Malaysians earned a penalty corner with just one second remaining in the match. But it turned out to be fruitless effort much to the dismay of the 400 fans. South Africa completed their tour in the SOJC by finishing fifth position in the six-team tournament.