Malaysia eliminated from Asian Cup by last minute goal

Qatar lost 0-1 to Bahrain in Group E on January 20, Malaysia followed Vietnam, becoming the second team to be eliminated at the 2023 Asian Cup.

Compared to the humiliating 0-4 loss to Jordan in the first round, Malaysia played better when playing Bahrain. However, the Southeast Asian representative still could not earn their first point of the tournament, conceding a goal in the fifth minute of injury time. Ali Madan's goal gave Bahrain a chance to advance, while Malaysia was eliminated one match early.

Ali Madan dribbles and shoots while surrounded by Malaysian players, at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar on January 20. Photo: AFC — Ali Madan dribbles and shoots while surrounded by Malaysian players, at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar on January 20. Photo: *AFC*

Having both lost their first matches, Malaysia and Bahrain knew they could not afford to lose again if they wanted to keep their hopes alive at the 2023 Asian Cup alive. As a result, both teams played cautiously and defensively. In the first 60 minutes, the match only saw one shot on target, when Malaysia’s Arif Aiman forced goalkeeper Lutfallah to make a hard save.

Learning from their loss to Jordan, Malaysia did not play an open game against a highly rated opponent. Bahrain, for the most part, could not create any problems towards Syihan Hazmi's goal. It was not until the end of the match that clear opportunities came to the West Asian representative when they played boldly.

A minute after almost conceding a goal from Matthew Davis' volley, Bahrain produced their sharpest central attack of the game in the 90th minute. Helal passed the ball to Ali Hasan Saeed Isa who escaped to face Hazmi, but the Malaysian goalkeeper reacted well and caught the ball.

The great pressure that Bahrain created at the end of the match was rewarded in the last minute of injury time. From a corner kick, the ball bounced to the second line and Ali Madan intercepted it to shoot past Syihan Hazmi, bringing joy to Bahrain.

Malaysian players collapsed after conceding a fatal goal. Coach Kim Pan Gon and his team were eliminated one match early, similar to Vietnam in Group D. Malaysia is almost certain to not gain any points in their return to the Asian Cup after 16 years, as they still have a match against South Korea in the final round.

Bahrain have three points, temporarily ranked third in Group E. If they beat Jordan in the final round, they will definitely advance as one of the top two teams. If they draw, Bahrain will hope to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Starting lineup

Bahrain: Lutfallah, Ali, Adel, Al Hashash, Atede, Al Aswad, Marhoon, Madan, Al Hardan, Baqer, Al Hayam

Malaysia: Hazmi, Davies, Saad, Tan, Corbin Ong, Cools, Halim, Wilkin, Aiman, Abba, Josue

Vy Anh

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