2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Malaysia Remain Unbeaten In Group F After 1-0 Victory Over Nepal

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) – The national football squad (Harimau Malaya), taking to the field without the suspended seven heritage players, recorded a 1-0 victory over Nepal in the fifth Group F action in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium (SNBJ), here tonight.

The victory over Nepal saw the national team maintain an undefeated record after five matches to lead Group F with 15 points, followed by Vietnam in second place (nine points), Laos third (three points), both having played one match less, and Nepal are at the bottom without any points.

Starting the first half, Malaysia began fiercely with several early attempts that forced the Nepalese defence to work hard to protect their goal from being breached.

Malaysia almost took the lead in the 37th minute through a cross from Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim which was headed by Dion Cools but was successfully saved by Nepal's goalkeeper, Kiran Kumar Limbu, ensuring both teams went into the dressing room without any advantage.

The long-awaited opening goal finally arrived in the second half, a precise through ball from Muhammad Safawi Rasid from the central area successfully finished off by Mohamad Faisal in the 55th minute.

Nepal, despite launching several counter-attacks, failed to penetrate Malaysia's solid defensive line throughout the match.

Malaysia continued to dominate the game by applying high pressure, before earning an opportunity to double the lead, but Paulo Josué failed to convert a penalty kick in the 90th minute, thus finishing with a slim margin victory.

Tonight's clash also marks the final action for the Harimau Malaya squad for this year since they conclude the group stage competition against Vietnam in Hanoi on March 31 next year.

-- BERNAMA