Malaysia’s men’s football team clinched SEA Games bronze with a 2-1 win over the Philippines, ending an eight-year medal drought at the biennial games.
MALAYSIA ended an eight-year medal drought in men’s football at the SEA Games after defeating the Philippines 2-1 in the bronze medal play-off.
The victory at the Rajamangala National Stadium sees the Harimau Muda squad return to the podium for the first time since winning silver at the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Danish Hakimi Sahaludin poked the ball home during a goalmouth scramble.
The Philippines equalised through an own goal by Muhammad Haqimi Azim Rosli in the 36th minute.
The Kuala Lumpur City FC striker redeemed his mistake by scoring the winner just before halftime.
Haqimi skilfully dribbled past the advancing goalkeeper Nicholas Guimares before slotting a low shot into the net in the 43rd minute.
The 2-1 scoreline held until the final whistle, confirming the bronze for Malaysia.
The win redeems the disappointment of finishing without a medal in the previous three editions of the games.
Malaysia was eliminated in the group stages during the 2019 and 2023 editions.
In the 2021 edition, the national team’s hopes were dashed after being defeated by Indonesia in the third-place play-off.
