Path To Final Still Open - Malaysian Youth Hockey Squad Manager

JOHOR BAHRU (Johor, Malaysia), Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The National squad's path to the final of the Sultan of Johor Championship (SOJC) is still open despite not registering a win after two matches said National youth hockey squad manager Yahya Atan. Yahya said there are still three matches to go, including the third match against Pakistan Wednesday night and there is every reason to believe Malaysia can make it to the final. "Although, we missed out on two points when we managed only a 2-2 draw against Australia yesterday (Tuesday) and lost 1-3 to England in the opening match on Monday it does not mean the path to the final is closed. "If we win against Pakistan tonight (Wednesday night), it will be keep us on the path to the final," he told Bernama Wednesday. Malaysia are currently in fifth spot with one point after two matches behind Japan who are in 4th position. Meanwhile, Australia continues to top the table after collecting four points and with better goal difference than Pakistan and England who are in second and third spots respectively. Yahya said Malaysia could improve its position by collecting three points against Pakistan Wednesday night, but if they drew, Malaysia must get more goals from other teams. On the performance of the squad under coach Wallace Tan, Yahya said he was happy with the overall quality and performance of the players who can give other teams a run for their money despite having less than a month to train. "We only got together less than three weeks, they (players) had done their best but we missed on several opportunities due to mistakes," he said. Yahya also praised the determination and 'never say die' spirit shown by all the players who knew their respective roles when on the pitch. -- BERNAMA