KUALA LUMPUR – The Harimau Muda moved a step closer to securing their spot in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup next year after a convincing 4-0 victory against the Philippines at Thailand’s Chonburi Stadium today.
The young Malaysians displayed dominance from start to finish, controlling 62% of possession against their regional rivals, with their breakthrough coming in the early seconds of the match through captain Mukhairi Ajmal.
In the sixth minute, KL City midfielder T. Saravanan doubled the lead with a perfectly aimed shot into the top left corner from an assist by Luqman Hakim.
With the Harimau Muda controlling the match, Selangor centre-back Harith Haiqal extended the lead in the 23rd minute, scoring his first international goal with a 25-yard screamer.
In the 60th minute, Saravanan sealed the win for coach E. Elavarasan’s side as he scored his second goal of the match and the team’s fourth.
The Harimau Muda currently sit in second place in Group H with six points and are scheduled to take on hosts Thailand in their final qualification match on September 12.
A total of 43 teams, including Malaysia, are battling to qualify for the U-23 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Qatar from April 15 to May 3.
Only 16 teams will make it to next year’s tournament. – September 9, 2023