Malaysia's title hopes slip away after second defeat

Malaysia will have to settle for the third and fourth placing match after losing 2-1 to Japan in their fourth fixture of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. - RONNIE CHIN/The Star

IPOH: Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title have faded away after a 1-2 defeat by Japan today (May 8).

The score stayed in a deadlock throughout the first quarter, with both teams trying to send shots away but the defence held their ground at the Azlan Shah Stadium here.