KUALA LUMPUR: Old habits die hard for the national men's hockey team.
On Friday, the Speedy Tigers were in cruise control against world No. 16 Pakistan, leading 3-0 and 4-1, in their opening Nations Cup Group B match, only to allow the Green Shirts to stage a fightback late in the game to earn a 4-4 draw in Gniezno, Poland.
It is not the first time Malaysia have fumbled in the closing minutes of a match, and national coach Sarjit Singh must fix his team's defensive frailties before it is too late.
For example, in last month's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, world No. 13 Malaysia led 3-1 against Pakistan but crumbled under pressure to allow Roelant Oltmans' side to win 5-4.
With the draw against Pakistan, Sarjit's side need to avoid defeat against world No. 9 France in tomorrow's second game to remain in contention for a semi-final spot.
Paris Olympic-bound France crushed world No. 20 Canada 4-0 in their opening game on Friday.
Sarjit admitted that his team made defensive errors against Pakistan.
"We only earned a point because of our mistakes. We should have won against Pakistan," said a disappointed Sarjit.
"France are a solid team preparing for the Paris Olympics, so we must tighten our game to earn a good result.
"I have studied their game against Canada, and I have to say we will be facing a tough hurdle tomorrow.
"However, we have 60 minutes to battle France, and I want my players to rise to the occasion.
"We must avoid mistakes and play confidently."
Against Pakistan, Sarjit rested top-choice goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman for second-choice Zaimi Mat Deris to prove his mettle.
Zaimi was named player of the match against Pakistan.
Zaimi said: "Our players have potential but need more games to gain confidence."
Malaysia and France have met six times, with the Speedy Tigers recording three wins, one draw and two defeats.
Tomorrow's game will be their first meeting since Malaysia's 4-1 win over France at the World League Semi-Finals in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2015.
Results
Group A: New Zealand 4 Poland 2; South Africa 3 Austria 4.
Group B: Malaysia 4 Pakistan 4, France 4 Canada 0.
Tomorrow's fixtures
Group B: France v Malaysia (9.30pm — Malaysian time).