Malaysia recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat Japan 4-2 while Pakistan mauled debutants Chinese Taipei 13-0 in their final round matches of Pool A at the 9th Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament here on Tuesday.
Malaysia thus became the second team after Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals from Pool A.
With three wins from as many matches, Pakistan top Pool A with nine points, while Malaysia are second with six.
In all likelihood, Pakistan will take on defending champions South Korea in the first semi-final on Friday and Malaysia will face India in the other last-four match.
India are presently atop Pool B with two wins from as many games, while defending champions South Korea are second. India play minnows Bangladesh in their final pool match on Wednesday, and Korea will be up against debutants Oman.
Malaysia were in for a shock early in the match as Japan seized the initiative when Toshiro Tachibana scored from their first penalty corner in the sixth minute.
Japan stunned Malaysia again two minutes later through a field goal from Kei Kawakami to surge to a 2-0 lead.
But the Malaysians worked relentlessly to claw their way back into the game. Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim, Muhammad Firhan Ashaari reduced the margin, while Faizal Saari and Azlan Misron struck once each in the second half.