BANGKOK: Indonesia inflicted heartbreak on Malaysia to reach the women's Indoor Asia Cup final following a 1-0 win in the semi-finals in Bangkok today.
Desi Wardani was the toast of Indonesia with a goal in the 40th minute. Indonesia will play Thailand, who thrashed Kazakhstan 6-0, for the title on Monday.
"My players started well but could not maintain their momentum. They had several penalty corners and one penalty stroke, which they did not convert," said national coach Rodhanizam Mat Radzi.
"We have a rest day tomorrow before we take on Kazakhstan. The goal is to finish third here."
Meanwhile, Malaysia drew 2-2 with Indonesia in the men's competition today. Amin Rahim's team must beat Kazakhstan tomorrow to reach the final.
Malaysia scored through Firdaus Omar (12th minute) and Ashran Hamsani (20th), while Muhamad Alfiana (first) and Prima Santoso (24th) replied for Indonesia.
World 21 Malaysia and 13th-ranked Kazakhstan are on 10 points each after five matches in the seven-team tournament. Iran, who will play Thailand, are favourites to reach the final.
"We have to regroup for the last match against Kazakhstan. I believe my players can bounce back from the tough Indonesia encounter," said Amin.
South Korea, South Africa, Canada, Japan and Pakistan, meanwhile, have been invited to join Malaysia in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on Nov 1-10.
For the record, Malaysia have yet to win the title since its inception in 1983. However, they finished runners-up in 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2014.
The tournament will offer world ranking points.
