NAGOYA, Sept 24 — Malaysia defeated Indonesia 2-1 in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games sepak takraw semi-finals today, keeping alive their hopes of ending a 36-year wait for the regu team gold.

In the tie at Paloma Mizuho Arena, Malaysia’s first trio comprising Zulkifli Abd Razak (tekong), Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali (right apit) and Aidil Aiman Azwawi (left apit) lost to Saiful Rijal, Yudha Aswinatama and Muhammad Hardiansyah Muliang 15-10, 13-15, 13-15.

Malaysia fought back to level the score at 1-1 through their main regu of Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Mohamad Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam, who defeated their opponents 15-10, 15-6.

In the deciding regu match, Malaysia’s combination of Muhammad Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Muhammad Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, with Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam as the substitute, also came from behind to beat Indonesia 11-15, 15-11, 15-11.

Malaysia will face Thailand in tomorrow’s final after the defending champions defeated hosts Japan 2-0 in the other semi-final.

Malaysia last won the regu team gold at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. — Bernama