KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Under-19 squad showed tremendous fighting spirit to hold Australia to a 2-2 draw in a dramatic Group H match of the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers at Lao National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane, Laos today.
The match, which was suspended for two hours due to heavy rain and lightning, saw Australia take an early lead through Marcus Neill in the fourth minute before Malaysia fought back strongly after the restart.
Australia continued to apply pressure and nearly doubled their advantage two minutes later when Neill found himself with another opportunity, but his effort failed to trouble the Malaysian goal.
Malaysia had a golden chance to level in the 20th minute when Muhammad Syazani Yussairi Yusnazairi met Tengku Hasyri Shah Meerza’s corner, but his shot went wide.
The match was halted in the 31st minute because of adverse weather conditions and resumed two hours later, with Malaysia returning to the pitch with greater attacking intent.
Malaysia drew level in the 50th minute through Fadhlul Hadi Zulkarnain before Izzuddin Afif Nazarudin put the Young Tigers ahead in the 70th minute.
However, Malaysia’s hopes of securing a first victory were dashed when Alaat Abdul-Rahman rescued a point for Australia with the equaliser in the 82nd minute.
The result left Malaysia with two points from two matches after their goalless draw against Indonesia on Aug 31, while Australia moved to four points.
The top team in each group and the seven best second-placed teams will advance to the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals in China, with hosts China receiving an automatic place.
Malaysia will conclude their Group H campaign against hosts Laos on Sunday.
-- BERNAMA