Malaysia pip Australia to win Sultan of Johor Cup

Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Skipper Noor Faeez struck the golden goal as hosts Malaysia scored a thrilling 3-2 win over Australia to lift the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup, on Saturday.

Faeez converted a penalty corner five minutes into the extra time to frustrate the fighting Australians in the exciting final, in which full-throat and thrilling brand of hockey was on display. Australia took lead twice but could not hold on to finish the issue in the regulation time. Enterprising Dylan Wotherpsoon deflected a rebound to give Australia its first goal in the 11th minute. Saari Mohd Fitri fashioned Malaysian recovery with a gem of goal eight minutes into the second half. Aggressive and accurate, Australian pressed hard, and it was only time to take lead. It came through Jack Wallace eleven minutes before the hooter. Even as the Australians were cruising along victory path, Malaysia got a freak penalty corner in the 69th minute. Captain sent in the third rebound of to take the match in to sudden-death extra time. He played the stellar role in the extra time too, to post the golden goal. PTI