MALAYSIA failed to capitalise on their one-man advantage as they were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia in their second match of the 2026 Asean Cup Group A at Stadium Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday.
In the 36th minute, the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Thom Haye was sent off for a late tackle on Arif Aiman Hanapi.
Referee Ko Hyung-jin initially showed the Persib Bandung defender a yellow card before a review deemed the tackle dangerous, resulting in a straight red card.
The dismissal raised hopes of the national squad securing their second win in the group after defeating Bangladesh 3-0 on Friday.
However, Harimau Malaya failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage despite several substitutions, including the introduction of Paulo Josue and Fergus Tierney for Faisal Halim and Bergson da Silva in the second half.
The national squad’s best chance came late in stoppage time when Dion Cools attempted a shot, only for it to be cleared by Justin Hubner on the goal line.
The score remained 0-0 until the final whistle, with both teams collecting a point from the much-anticipated Nusantara Derby.
Despite earning just one point, Tan Cheng Hoe’s men remain top of the group, keeping their hopes of reaching the next round alive.
Malaysia will next face Singapore at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, while the Garuda will take on Bangladesh at Stadium Gelora Bung Karno. Both matches will be played on Thursday.
