[UPDATED] Asian Cup Qualifiers: M’sia suffer 2-1 loss to Bahrain

KUALA LUMPUR – Disappointment filled the air as Malaysia lost to Bahrain 2-1 in the second match of the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers here at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. 

The first half saw no goals although the Harimau Malaya came close on several occasions to break the deadlock. 

Muhammad Akhyar Rashid fired a shot in the 30th minute, but the attempt was denied by Bahrain’s keeper. 

In the 41st minute, defender Corbin Ong was face-to-face with the keeper, but his reluctance to shoot gave Bahrain’s defenders enough time to intervene and prevent Malaysia taking the lead.  

Malaysia turned their luck around in the second half as Mohamadou Sumareh found the back of the net and gave the team a lead after tapping in a cross in the 54th minute in front of 63,925 Harimau Malaya fans. 

However, the lead did not last long as Bahrain’s Ali Abdula Haram evened the score in the 56th minute.

Bahrain then scored their second goal in the 80th minute after Abdulla Yusuf Helal converted a penalty resulting from goalkeeper Farizal Marlias’ poor challenge to hastily clear the ball. 

At the post-match press conference, head coach Kim Pan-gon said although they could not salvage a draw to claim one point, his players did their best. 

“The conditions were tough for both teams, but given the circumstances, our players did their best and to their best capabilities. 

“There were some mistakes made, Bahrain scored quickly because the players lost slight focus as the referee was concerned with a player who was down.  

“But we learn from our mistakes, and we focus on getting back stronger,” he said. 

Pan-gon also added for their last game against Bangladesh, it is important that the players not lose their confidence. 

“Anything can happen, so now is the time to not lose our team spirit. Not to be disappointed but keep our heads up high for what we’ve done so far. 

“Now we prepare for the next game, recover quickly. There is no time to regret,” he added.

In the earlier match, Turkmenistan defeated Bangladesh 2-1. Altymyrat Annadurdyyew gave Turkmenistan an early lead in the seventh minute, but Bangladesh came back quickly in the 12th minute with a goal from Mohammad Ibrahim. 

Arslanmyrat Amanow then scored the winning goal in the 77th minute to give Turkmenistan the win. 

Malaysia will play their final qualifier match against Bangladesh on Tuesday, June 14. – The Vibes, June 11, 2022