securing third place in the tournament. The match, held at the Maulana Mazharul Haque Stadium in Patna, showcased Japan’s clinical finishing and relentless attacking play, leaving Malaysia with no answers.
First Half: Japan Starts Strong
Japan began the match on the front foot, showcasing their attacking intent from the outset. Their efforts paid off early in the first quarter when Ayaka Nishimura scored a brilliant field goal, giving Japan an early 1-0 lead.
Malaysia, eager to respond, pushed forward in search of an equalizer but found Japan’s defense impenetrable. Before the half-time whistle, Japan doubled their lead through a well-executed penalty corner by Hana Shimizu, making it 2-0 at the break.
Second Half: Japan’s Offensive Power Continues
The second half saw Japan maintain their momentum, keeping Malaysia under constant pressure. In the third quarter, Japan extended their lead to 3-0 with another penalty corner goal, this time by captain Yui Ishibashi.
Malaysia managed to pull one back in the fourth quarter when Fatin Shafika scored a field goal, providing a glimmer of hope for her team. However, Japan quickly quashed any chances of a comeback with a fourth goal by Rina Kobayashi, sealing the 4-1 victory.
