Japan beat Malaysia 2-1 in Olympic qualifier

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 14 (Reuters) Japan beat Malaysia 2-1 today to strengthen their position in Group B of the 2008 Beijing Olympic qualifying competition.

It was Japan's second victory after beating Hong Kong 3-0 away.

Sota Hirayama scored after 13 minutes and Tadanari Lee made it 2-0 in the 77th minute. Khyril Muhymeen pulled a goal back for Malaysia in the 81st minute.

Syria are the other side in the group. The top two teams advance to the third and final round of qualifying in June. Asia will have three representatives in Beijing, apart from hosts China.

Reuters DH DB2212