Salalah, Oman: Japan’s campaign at the 12th Men’s Hockey Asia Cup came to an end on Monday despite a fighting 2-2 draw against China. Two goals from Kazumasa Matsumoto were not enough as Japan fell short on goal difference, finishing behind China in Pool A.
China, who had earlier crushed Kazakhstan 13-0, advanced to the Super 4 with a superior goal difference (+11). Both Japan and China ended with four points each from one win, one draw, and one loss, but China secured second place in the group.
Japan, needing a win to progress, pulled off their goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa in the final minutes, but Kosai Kawabe missed a late chance, allowing China to hold on. Matsumoto’s equaliser from Japan’s last penalty corner ensured a draw, but it wasn’t enough. China’s goals came from Changliang Lin (7th minute) and Jiaojia Zhang (25th minute), capitalising on defensive lapses. Matsumoto scored both goals for Japan, one off a deft deflection and another from a penalty corner.
With this result, Japan will now have to play the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
In Pool B, Malaysia produced the tournament’s biggest win, thrashing Chinese Taipei 15-0 to storm into the Super 4 with nine points from three matches. Striker Akhimullah Anuar starred with five goals, Ashran Hamsani scored four, and Sumantari Nurfayak netted a hat-trick. Aiman Rozmi, Andy Walifayan, and Abulkamal Azrai added one goal each. Malaysia converted one of their two penalty strokes and dominated with 14 field goals.
South Korea also sealed their Super 4 berth with a convincing 5-1 win over Bangladesh. Den Sun struck twice, while Ta Seongwoo, Seong Ho, and Jihun Yang (penalty stroke in the final second) added one goal each. Korea finished Pool B with six points and a goal difference of +8. Bangladesh’s lone goal came from Shahnur.
With Malaysia and South Korea advancing from Pool B, and China joining Pool A leaders, the stage is now set for an intense Super 4 battle in the race for the Asia Cup title.
