New Delhi: India defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the first semi-final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 on Friday to reach the final and move one win closer to successfully defending their title.
Captain and drag-flicker Anmol Ekka once again led India’s charge, scoring twice from penalty corners to take his tournament tally to 16 goals and strengthen his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was equally influential for the defending champions and was named the Player of the Match after producing a series of outstanding saves, including a crucial stop from a penalty stroke.
India, who are chasing a fourth consecutive title and sixth overall crown, will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and South Korea in the final.
India started strongly and created early opportunities through Ajeet Yadav, who came close twice in the opening two minutes after getting on the end of long balls from deep defence. India earned three penalty corners early in the match, but Malaysian goalkeeper Amsyar Mohamad Adib made important saves to keep the score level.
Malaysia struggled to maintain possession during the opening five minutes, while India’s defence remained alert whenever the Malaysians moved forward. The first quarter ended goalless despite chances at both ends.
India finally broke the deadlock in the 16th minute after earning their fourth penalty corner. Anmol, positioned at the first battery, produced a hard, low flick that beat Amsyar to his right and gave India a 1-0 lead.
Malaysia responded quickly, forcing a save from Lakra in the 17th minute before earning their first penalty corner. India’s first rusher made an important block to deny the attempt.
India continued to create opportunities and earned another penalty corner in the 23rd minute, but a deflection attempt went over the Malaysian goal. The defending champions held their 1-0 advantage until half-time.
Malaysia increased the pressure after the interval, but Lakra produced a stunning double save in the 34th minute before making another stop moments later. India were reduced to 10 players after Manmeet Singh Rai received a yellow card in the 36th minute.
Malaysia earned another penalty corner in the 39th minute but failed to execute the routine cleanly. India continued to defend in an organised manner despite further pressure, while Prabhdeep Singh received a yellow card in the 41st minute, leaving India with 10 players once again.
Malaysia earned another penalty corner in the 45th minute, but their variation ended with an off-target slap-push.
India found some breathing room in the fourth quarter. After a Malaysian defensive touch denied them in the 51st minute, India immediately launched another circle entry, with Sukhvinder finishing the move to extend the lead to 2-0.
Lakra then produced another decisive save when Malaysia were awarded a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute. The Indian goalkeeper dived sharply to his left and used his glove to keep the effort out.
India quickly turned defence into attack and earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute. Malaysia challenged the decision through a video referral but lost the referral, leaving India with the penalty corner.
Anmol made no mistake, powering his flick past the Malaysian goalkeeper to make it 3-0 and score his second goal of the match.
Malaysia earned a succession of penalty corners in the closing stages, but Lakra and the Indian defence continued to withstand the pressure. Lakra made another superb diving save from a well-struck flick in the 58th minute.
Malaysia finally found a consolation goal through M Rahuul with just 24 seconds remaining after earning their eighth penalty corner.
India, however, held on for a 3-1 victory to secure their place in the AHF Junior Asia Cup final and remain on course for another title.
