AICHI, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The excitement of taking the lead in the second game proved costly for the national Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) squad, as they succumbed 2-0 to Myanmar to settle for the bronze medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games today.
The semi-final defeat at Aichi Sky Expo here today more particularly painful as Malaysia had a chance to force a decider after putting up a stronger display in the second game.
National player Muhammad Haqqullah Ahmad Shahrul Zaman, better known as ‘Sekys’, attributed their defeat to the team’s failure to control their emotions after taking the lead, leading to them making several mistakes that the Myanmar team capitalised on.
“In the first game, we did not have much hope, but the situation actually favoured us in the second game. We made a few mistakes and were punished by Myanmar.
“Perhaps, we were too overexcited because we took the lead. We could not keep each other calm and maintain our composure midway through the game,” he told reporters after the match.
The defeat was all the more disappointing for Malaysia as they had grown increasingly confident of challenging for gold following the shock defeat of favourites the Philippines in the other semi-final.
“After the Philippines lost earlier, we were actually confident of winning gold. But it is what it is,” he said.
After defeating Jordan 2-0 in the quarter-finals, Malaysia were denied a place in the final as Myanmar - featuring Myo Myint Ko Ko Kyaw, Hein Htet Oo, Kyaw Thuya, Han Htoo Swe and Shine Lin Aung - produced a more composed performance to seal victory in the best-of-three semi-final.
Sekys said Malaysia, nevertheless, respected Myanmar, describing them as one of the best teams in the region.
“We did not underestimate them and we respect them. They are one of the best teams in the region and, at the most recent MLBB tournament, they were ranked second in the world,” he added.
The MLBB bronze is the second medal won by the national esports contingent today after the Identity V team also contributed a bronze.
This allowed Malaysia to conclude their Asiad esports campaign with a haul of one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
The gold was delivered by e-racing’s Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, while the two silver medals came from the eFootball and Honor of Kings squads.
-- BERNAMA