KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers put up a strong challenge against Japan in the Asian Champion Trophy semi-finals in Mohali, India by creating more scoring chances than their opponents.
The match ended goalless, leading to a penalty shootout, which Japan won 5-3 to reach the final.
Defending champions India routed South Korea 8-1 in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
India, who retained the Asian Games title to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, will start as overwhelming favourites to beat Japan to win their sixth ACT title.
In the round-robin match, India outplayed Japan 4-1.
Malaysia, who won silver at the Asian Games, will face South Korea for third place at 7pm on Thursday.
In the round-robin match, Malaysia defeated South Korea 3-1.
Against Japan, Malaysia failed to capitalise on their chances in the semi-circle after wasting five penalty corners.
National coach Brendon Carolan said sometimes the team that plays well doesn’t always get the results.
“We had loads of penalty corners but we could not convert them. I think we were good. Our performance was good. Our transition and positioning was also good, but unfortunately we did not take our chances well.
“Korea is a good team but every game is important to us. We will focus on ourselves for the match and we want to finish with a medal,” said Carolan, who has been the national since April.
Malaysia started the ACT well by winning the first three matches against China 5-4, Korea 3-1 and Bangladesh 6-1.
They lost three matches in a row to India 4-2, Japan 2-1 and 5-3 in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals after a 0-0 draw.