KUALA LUMPUR – Harimau Malaya showcased resilience and skill against the formidable 23rd-ranked South Korea in their last group match of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, securing an electrifying 3-3 draw.
In a moment that will be etched in the hearts of fans, Romel Morales, the naturalised player, emerged as Malaysia’s hero.
His stunning goal in the 15th minute of injury time not only captivated the crowd but also ensured that Malaysia departed from this prestigious tournament with a well-deserved point to their name.
This remarkable performance is a testament to Kim Pan-gon’s squad’s unwavering spirit and sets the stage for even greater triumphs on the Asian football stage.
South Korea launched an aggressive onslaught, smothering Pan-gon’s men with relentless pressing.
The Taegeuk Warriors then opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Jeong Woo-yeong towered above everyone to head in a corner from Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in.
Both teams went into the break with a 1-0 scoreline.
After half-time, Malaysia scored a surprise equaliser in the 51st minute when Hwang In-beom was caught in possession by Darren Lok and the ball landed at the feet of Arif Aiman Hanapi.
Despite an initial appearance of a missed opportunity, Selangor forward Faisal Halim executed a brilliant half-turn, surprising the Koreans and levelling the game at 1-1.
Ten minutes later, Malaysia took the lead after Arif Aiman was fouled in South Korea’s box.
The Johor Darul Ta’zim forward dusted himself off for the penalty and sent Jo Hyeon-woo the wrong way to give Malaysia a surprise lead in the 61st minute.
That sent the Koreans into overdrive and their relentless pressure bore fruit when Kang-in’s excellent free kick bounced off the crossbar and hit goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed’s hand before landing in the net for the equaliser in the 83rd minute.
The game was littered with VAR interventions, which led to 12 minutes added to normal time.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s men smelled blood and continued to press for the winner, which culminated with Tottenham striker Son Heung-min lashing home a penalty past Syihan in the fourth minute of injury-time.
Just as hope seemed lost for Malaysia, Colombian-born Morales seized a pivotal moment at the edge of the Korean box.
He lashed home a fine finish past South Korea goalkeeper Hyeon-woo to send Malaysian fans in the stadium and at home into delirium.
The draw ensures Malaysia finish their campaign at this year’s tournament with one point.
Malaysia, unfortunately, find themselves bottom of Group E after earlier setbacks – a 4-0 loss to Jordan and a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Bahrain, conceding a last-minute goal. – January 25, 2024