FIH Nations Cup: Malaysia Lose 1-4 To Japan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia failed to maintain their winning momentum in the 2025-26 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup when they lost 1-4 to Japan in their second Group A match in Cape Town, South Africa, early this morning.

The Speedy Tigers got off to an excellent start when experienced striker Faizal Saari put them ahead through a field goal as early as the third minute.

However, Japan fought back and took control of the match, drawing level through a penalty corner conversion by Hyota Yamada in the 27th minute.

Two minutes later, Kazumasa Matsumoto scored a field goal to give Japan a 2-1 lead heading into half-time.

In the second half, Japan continued to pile pressure on Malaysia and extended their advantage through a field goal by Tsubasa Tanaka in the 51st minute.

Raiki Fujishima then completed Japan’s victory by converting a penalty corner in the 56th minute.

“Obviously very disappointed because I thought we were on the right track. I feel sorry for the guys because they have been working hard but we will be better moving forward.

“We will have a look at what went wrong and try to solve as best we can to make sure we're ready for our next game against New Zealand,” said national head coach Brendan Carolan in a video shared by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.

The result leaves Malaysia in third place with three points, earned from their victory over Scotland on Thursday.

Carolan’s men will next face New Zealand on Tuesday before concluding their group-stage campaign against South Korea on Wednesday.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

-- BERNAMA