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The law of averages finally caught up with the Indian junior men’s hockey team in the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup being played at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Blueshirts’ winning streak was snapped by hosts Malaysia after vice captain Yousuf Affan pulled off a sensational final-minute goal to ensure his side escaped with a 3-3 draw after a late resurgence from the black-and-yellow brigade.
The outcome of the match is of little interest as both teams meet in the final showdown on Sunday.
With their final places sealed, both teams took it easy and did not go for broke. India started off proceedings on a bright note when Satbir Singh made the most of a rebound off a penalty corner in the 10th minute after Amit Rohidas’ flick was parried away by Malaysian shot pusher Mohd Hazrul Ahmad Sobri.
This was after striker Ramandeep Singh had picked up a green card in the 4th minute.
Malaysia forced a penalty corner in the 25th minute but they bungled that opportunity.
Soaking all the Malaysian pressure, India doubled the lead close to half-time when in-form Ramanadeep Singh rattled the opposition cage to help go into half-time with a bullish 2-0 lead.
With ten minutes to go for the final hooter, it looked like India will chalk up their fifth straight win. But Malaysian sprang a might surprise with Shahril Saabah first converting a short corner in the 61st minute and three minutes later Rashid Baharom further narrowing the deficit.
There was no excitement in the dying moments as Shahril Saabah put Malaysia ahead for the first time in the match before Yousof Affan levelled the issue in the 69th minute.
It may be worth recalling that hosts Malaysia had won the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup in 2011, pipping Australia 3-2 on golden goal.
Germany had won the second Sultan of Johor Cup in 2012, edging out India 3-2. Significantly, the defending champions are not taking part in the 2013 edition.
