Malaysia's title hopes slip away after second defeat
IPOH: Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title have faded away after a 1-2 defeat by Japan today (May 8).

The score stayed in a deadlock throughout the first quarter, with both teams trying to send shots away but the defence held their ground at the Azlan Shah Stadium here.

Japan were the first to draw blood as they found the back of the net in the 24th minute through a tap-in goal by Kazumasa Matsumoto.

The Speedy Tigers started the second half with a bang as they equalised in 30 seconds after Faizal Saari shot from a tight angle.

But constant change in possession saw the third quarter end goalless for both sides as the score stayed 1-1.

Japan kept going hard at the Malaysian defence and Taiki Takade eventually found a gap to emerge with the lead in the 50th minute.

With three minutes left on the clock, Malaysia deployed the power play, but to no avail as Japan took the win at the final whistle.

Malaysia are third in the table with six points while Japan are in second place with 10 points. Pakistan are at the top with 10 points as well but leads Japan in goal difference.
IPOH: Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title have faded away after a 1-2 defeat by Japan today (May 8).