Harimau Malaya beat Nepal 1-0 to stay unbeaten in 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, leading Group F with 15 points from five matches.
KUALA LUMPUR: The national football squad maintained their perfect record in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nepal at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Playing without seven suspended heritage players, Harimau Malaya dominated proceedings from the start against the determined visitors.
Malaysia came close to opening the scoring in the 37th minute when Dion Cools’ header from Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim’s cross forced a fine save from Nepal goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute when Muhammad Safawi Rasid’s precise through ball found Mohamad Faisal, who made no mistake with his finish.
Nepal attempted several counter-attacks but found Malaysia’s defensive organisation too difficult to break down throughout the match.
The home side continued to press for a second goal and earned a late penalty in the 90th minute.
Paulo Josué stepped up but failed to convert from the spot, leaving Malaysia with a narrow victory margin.
The win maintains Malaysia’s 100% record in Group F with 15 points from five matches.
Vietnam sit second with nine points but have played one game fewer, while Laos have three points and Nepal remain without any points.
Tonight’s match concludes Malaysia’s international commitments for 2024, with their final group stage match against Vietnam scheduled for March 31 next year in Hanoi. – Bernama
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