KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — The Harimau Malaya advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Asean Cup after defeating the Philippines 1-0 in their final Group B match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras tonight.
With just one mission – to secure all three points – interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s charges put on a spirited display, boosted by the presence of supporters dressed in black and yellow who filled the 18,000-capacity stadium.
The crowd erupted in the 16th minute when Harimau Malaya midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal sent a cross into the Philippines penalty area, which G. Pavithran headed home to open the scoring for Malaysia.
The goal spurred Malaysia to maintain control of the game, while Carles Cuadrat’s charges stepped up their attacks in search of an equaliser but were unable to find a breakthrough before the half-time whistle.
After the break, the Philippines came out more aggressively in search of an equaliser, but the resilience of the Harimau Malaya defence, led by captain Paulo Josue, successfully kept the Philippines’ attacks at bay.
Pavithran almost doubled Malaysia’s advantage in the 85th minute, but failed to convert a low cross from a teammate in front of the penalty area after his move was thwarted by Philippines defender Jaime Rosquillo.
The victory saw Malaysia finish second in Group B with nine points, confirming their place in the semi-finals alongside group leaders Thailand, who collected 12 points.
Earlier, the War Elephants defeated Myanmar 2-0 in another Group B match.
Malaysia will face defending champions Vietnam, who topped Group A, in the two-leg semi-final scheduled for Aug 16 and 19. – Bernama
