KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, playing with only 10-player in the final quarter, lost 3-2 to New Zealand in their Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) opening match at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru today.
The Kiwis took the lead off a penalty corner converted by Jonty Elmes as early as the fourth minute.
The Young Tigers equalised through their first penalty corner which was converted by Harris Iskandar Othman in the 16th minute.
But in the 44th minute, Malaysia were reduced to 10 players for 10 minutes when Yadiy Saifuddin was flashed a yellow card for an infringement.
Malaysia gave away a penalty stroke in the 48th minute which was converted by Elmes.
But Young Tigers fought back and equalised through a solo goal by Adam Ashraf Johari in the 55th minute.
Hardly a minute later, New Zealand caught the Young Tigers defence napping as Gus Nelson scored off a long through pass from close range.
Overall, Malaysia earned three penalty corners and converted one while the Kiwis had 19 circle penetrations.
National junior coach I. Vickneswaran said his team started poorly and the New Zealand players were all over them.
"We had chances which we did not score. Although my players played hard, they made crucial errors. It's a bitter pill to swallow. We accept the defeat.
"Mental strength plays a big role. And there are some areas we need to improve."
Three-time champions Great Britain defeated Australia 3-1 and three-time champions India defeated Japan 4-2.
Results:
India 4 Japan 2, Australia 1 Great Britain 3, Malaysia 2 New Zealand 3
Tomorrow's fixtures:
India v Great Britain (4pm), Australia v New Zealand (6.15pm), Japan v Malaysia (8.35pm).