KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia missed out on a place in the Asian Champions Trophy final after losing 5-3 on penalties to Japan following a goalless draw in Punjab today.
The semi-final match at the Mohali Hockey Stadium ended scoreless in regulation time before Japan converted all five shootout attempts through Kazumasa Matsumoto, Ryoma Ooka, Tsubasa Tanaka, Haruki Ochiai and Seren Tanaka.
Veteran striker Faizal Saari missed Malaysia’s opening attempt.
Although Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored from subsequent attempts, it was not enough to beat Japan.
Brendon Carolan’s side squandered several chances during regulation time, failing to convert any of their five penalty corners.
The defeat marked Malaysia’s fourth loss to Japan this year and their third straight defeat in the tournament, following round-robin losses to India (4-2) and Japan (2-1).
Currently ranked 14th in the world, the Speedy Tigers may slip further down the standings after falling short of their target to reach the final and capture a maiden Asian crown.
Malaysia will face South Korea in the third-place playoff tomorrow.
In an earlier classification match, China beat Bangladesh 3-1 to finish fifth.