[UPDATED] 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers: Harimau Malaya qualify after 42 years of hurt

KUALA LUMPUR – Finally, after 42 years, Malaysia have qualified for the Asian Cup on merit after they thrashed Bangladesh 4-1 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.

Malaysia finished the qualifying campaign as runners-up in Group E with six points, while Bahrain top the group with nine points after defeating Turkmenistan 1-0 in today’s earlier match.

With six groups in the qualifiers, only the group leaders and top five runners-up make it through to the 2023 Asian Cup next year.

The national team drew first blood in the 15th minute when Muhammad Safawi Rasid slotted home from the penalty spot after the opposing goalkeeper committed a foul on Matthew Davies inside the box.

Despite having numerous chances to double their lead, Malaysia were stunned in the 31st minute when Bangladesh midfielder Mohammad Ibrahim pulled one back to draw level.

However, Malaysia’s lead was restored in the 37th minute when Dion Cools scored, sending 52,964 fans wild. 

In the second half, the Tigers came out of the gates strongly and Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad soon gave Malaysia a two-goal cushion when he scored in the 46th minute.

Head coach Kim Pan-gon’s tactics proved effective when substitute Darren Loke sealed Malaysia’s qualification to next year’s tournament with a 72nd-minute strike. 

As the referee blew the final whistle, the whole stadium exploded in joy as, finally, after 42 years, the national team deservingly qualified for the Asian Cup.

“Thank you to everyone, from the fans, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), all the clubs that support us to make it to this point,” said Pan-gon at the post-match press conference. 

“I especially need to thank Johor Darul Ta’zim, and (Johor Crown Prince) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for sending 15 of his players and always supporting the national team.”

Pan-gon also reflected on his decision to take on the role of Harimau Malaya head coach, citing that qualifying for the Asian Cup was one of the tasks given to him by the FAM.

“When I took on the job, I was given two missions, one was to make it to the AFC Asian Cup, and the other to the AFF Cup. We are getting closer. 

“But I could not have done this without the support from the people around me. No matter how much we demanded from the clubs and association, they always delivered for us, for the country,” he added. 

Meanwhile, man-of-the-match Dion Cools added that he was delighted to have scored his first international goal for Malaysia. 

“I am delighted to be the man-of-the-match in such an important game, but the truth is anyone in the team could have been awarded with this. 

“Football is a collective sport, and to qualify after how we have been playing in the previous games, it’s just the perfect cherry on a big cake,” he said. 

However, Dion said there is still room for improvement despite qualification. 

“We could have won today’s game with a bigger advantage, and we could have won the previous game as well. 

“But to be here now is a step in the right direction. I am glad I chose to play Malaysia. I would die for the country,” he added. – The Vibes, June 14, 2022