KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The national Under-19 (U-19) football team booked their spot in the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals in China after completing their Group H campaign with a 2-1 victory over Laos at the Lao National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane today.
The win saw Malaysia accumulate five points from one victory and two draws to finish as group runners-up behind leaders Indonesia, who topped the standings with seven points.
The result was enough to ensure head coach Shukor Adan's squad qualified as one of the seven best group runners-up following the conclusion of all Asian qualifiers.
Malaysia opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Indonesia before holding Australia to a 2-2 draw in their second match.
Needing a win to advance, Malaysia started aggressively and opened the scoring through Haziq Aziz Ahyok in the seventh minute.
The early goal gave Harimau Muda a psychological edge, allowing them to control the game and preserve their 1-0 lead until half-time.
Laos fought back after the break, stepping up the pressure for an equaliser, which Odin Siphanit delivered in the 61st minute.
However, the national squad restored their lead through Fadhlul Hadi Zulkarnain in the 77th minute to seal the 2-1 victory.
Based on the updated list of best runners-up, Malaysia qualified alongside Iraq, Thailand, India, Australia, Jordan and Syria.
The 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals in China next March will feature 16 teams, comprising hosts China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Malaysia, Iraq, Thailand, India, Australia, Jordan and Syria.
-- BERNAMA