07/06/2024 07:10 MYTH
Despite going down without several pillars of the attacking machine who suffered injuries, Harimau Malaya still came out with an encouraging performance in Bishkek last night, especially in the first half. - FAM Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's chance to make history by qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and grabbing an early ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup is closing in after failing to bring home victory after a 1-1 draw with Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, last night.
Summary of AI
Malaysia's chances to go to the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup are getting harder after the draw with Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.
Despite playing brilliantly, especially in the first half, Malaysia could only draw 1-1 with Kyrgyzstan.
Oman won big against Taiwan and will go to the 2027 Asian Cup and the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, while Malaysia needs a big win against Taiwan to stay in the competition.
The result saw the Harimau Malaya squad remain in third place in Group D of the second round of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers with seven points, separated by three points from Kyrgyzstan in second place who also had the advantage of goal difference heading into the final action.
In the action at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, the national team manager Kim Pan Gon acted bravely when he risked the central defensive pairing of Dominic Tan and Muhammad Safwan Mazlan who made his international debut while choosing captain Dion Cools in the right wing position.
Despite going down without several pillars of the attacking machine who suffered injuries, Malaysia still came out with an encouraging performance, especially in the first half when they successfully put up resistance against the 100th ranked opponent in the world.
Defender Kairat Zhyrgalbek Uulu launched Kyrgyzstan's first attack in the 12th minute through a sweeping shot that was successfully read by national goalkeeper Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani.
Kyrgyzstan continued to push as midfielder Gulzhigit Alykulov missed a golden opportunity to put Stefan Tarkovic's side in front when his volley shot from close range after receiving Alimardon Shukurov's cross went wide in the 20th minute.
The forgetfulness of the national defense was finally punished by Kyrgyzstan's opening goal through Alykulov in the 24th minute after the player completed the pass of striker Joel Kojo who had previously cleverly controlled Kairat Zhyrgalbek Uulu's long pass from the left.
However, Malaysia could breathe a sigh of relief when opposing defender Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov scored an own goal to make it 1-1 after heading home naturalized midfielder Endrick Dos Santos' free kick in the 38th minute.
Approaching the break, naturalized forward Paulo Josue missed a golden opportunity to put Malaysia ahead after his header was saved by goalkeeper Erzhan Tokotaev in a one-on-one situation in first-half extra time.
The action of the second half saw the tempo of the game slower with Dos Santos and Josue each having a chance through a shot from outside the penalty box, but was denied by Tokotaev while Muhammad Azri also saved several attempts by the opponent.
FOOTBALL SPORTS (KGZ/MAS) 3 (END) KUALA LUMPUR
In the meantime, Oman managed to secure a place in the 2027 Asian Cup and advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after defeating Taiwan 3-0 tonight in another group action to collect 12 points at the top of Group D.
After this, Malaysia, who have a two-goal deficit in goal difference, will visit Taiwan at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here next Tuesday, while Kyrgyzstan, with a six-goal advantage, will travel to Muscat to meet Oman.
If it fails to qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will also automatically confirm a place in the 2027 Asian Cup, Malaysia is scheduled to go through the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers to make its second consecutive appearance at the competition.
BERNAMA
