RANCHI: Japan scored a controversial goal to down China 2-1 in the first semifinal of Women's Asian Champions Trophy at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Trailing 0-1 at half-time after China took the lead in the 11th minute through Tiantian Luo, the defending champions won their seventh PC of the match four minutes into the restart.
Although the initial shot was blocked, Kana Urata controlled the rebound well and with a reverse hit smashed the ball towards the goal. It hit the crossbar and dropped on the turf. While it wasn't clear as to where the ball fell, the goal was given after Japan's referral and China coach Alyson Annan wasn't at all happy about it at the end of the match.
Japan then scored their second ten minutes later when Miyu Suzuki sounded the board as China failed to match the tempo of their opponents and were forced to take out their goalkeeper with about 10 minutes left. However, it wasn't of much use as Japan held on for a win and entered the final where they will face off against hosts India. China, meanwhile, will take on South Korea in the 3rd-4th place playoff tie.
Earlier in the day, Malaysia beat Thailand 1-0 to finish fifth in the tournament.
