After Tuesday’s impressive show against China, the Malaysians’ defensive performance against Japan in the playoff for the bronze medal was a letdown as they stumped to a 1-4 defeat in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024.
The Tigress finished fourth for the second time in the history of the tournament since 2010, the first being in 2018.
Meanwhile, India retained the Asian Champions Trophy title with a 1-0 win over Paris Olympics silver medallist China in a pulsating final. Young striker Deepika scored the winner from a penalty corner in the 31st minute to finish as the tournament’s highest scorer with 11 goals.
India had earlier stunned China 3-0 in the league stages of the tournament. The Indians, who won the title in 2016 and 2023, equalled Korea’s record of three titles. They are also the first team after the Koreans to defend their title successfully.
The Japanese, ranked 11th in the world, are heavyweights in titles. They have won two championships (2013 and 2021), been runners-up twice (2010, 2023), and claimed the bronze medal for the third time (2011, 2016 and 2024).
In a thrilling pool match on Saturday, November 16, the Malaysians and Japanese battled hard in a contest that kept fans on their edge before Japan went on to win 2-1.
The Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar was filled to the brim on Wednesday to witness world class matches on the last day of the tournament, especially the final between defending champions India and China.
The Japanese grabbed a 4-0 lead 35 minutes into the match. Mayuri Horikawa started the goal rush by converting a penalty corner in the third minute. Hiroka Murayama (24th) and Ayana Tamura (28th) extended the lead to 3-0 via field goals while Miyu Hasegawa scored the fourth (35th) through a penalty corner.
Malaysia went into the match after the interval with an attacking mindset but failed to convert chances into goals. Instead, they conceded six penalty corners which resulted in two goals for Japan.
Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhairy scored for the Tigress at the start of the fourth quarter (48th) from a field goal.
National team head coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahin said the Japanese got off the blocks on a fast pace and dominated the first and second quarters that resulted in early goals.
“We got our rhythm in the third and fourth quarters with a clinical performance and scored a goal. The team arrived in Bihar with several youngsters who lacked experience but as the tournament progressed their performance and confidence levels also showed improvements,” said Nasihin.
“This experience augurs well for the future of the younger set of players who gained a lot from this exposure. The team is supported by 10 players who will feature in the upcoming Women’s Junior Asia Cup in Oman in December.”
“Furthermore, we have several senior team players who are recuperating from injuries back home. I see a better performance from this team in future tournaments as the experience here shows positive signs,” added Nasihin.