Malaysia close AFC competition with defeat to Japan

Japan players celebrating after the goal by Yuya Kubo at the Shah Alam Stadium. - M AZHAR / The Star

PETALING JAYA: Host Malaysia bowed out of the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifying tournament after losing 1-0 to fancied Japan at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Striker Yuya Kubo scored the solitary goal in the 40th minute to enable Japan to finish as Group I winners with the maximum nine points and an automatic slot in the Finals in Qatar next year.