07-07-2025
Malaysia's hockey boys beaten by Japan
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia lost 3-1 to Japan in a boys' Group B match at the Under-18 Asia Cup at Dazhou Hockey Stadium, China, today.
Safwan Salihe gave Malaysia the lead off a penalty corner in the 11th minute, but Japan hit back with three goals through Hiroki Toda (13th, 54th) and Yuma Fujiwara (58th).
Japan topped the table with maximum points from four matches and secured a semi-final spot while Malaysia are second with nine points from three wins and one loss.
Malaysia need to beat Uzbekistan, who are third with six points from three matches, on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals.
Coach Sufian Mohd said his boys played well by creating a lot of scoring chances, but it was not their day.
"I am optimistic that they will play well to get a win over Uzbekistan to get a place in the semi-finals," he said.
Group A: Pakistan 9 Sri Lanka 0; China 8 Hong Kong 0
Group B: Japan 3 Malaysia 1
