Losing to Lebanon, U23 Malaysia 'loses dream' of participating in Asian tournament

Malaysia - Ảnh 1. — U23 Malaysia (yellow shirt) lost to U23 Lebanon in the first match - Photo: Malaysia NT

On the evening of September 3, U23 Malaysia put themselves in a difficult position when they lost to U23 Lebanon with a minimum score of 0-1 in the first match of Group F of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers.

This defeat is considered a cold shower on the ambitions of coach Nafuzi Zain and his team, because the door to the final round in Saudi Arabia next year has narrowed significantly.

Despite being rated higher and controlling the ball for most of the time, the Southeast Asian representative appeared completely deadlocked against the opponent's disciplined defense.

After the first half ended goalless, U23 Malaysia continued to increase the pressure in the second half. However, when the strikers were still struggling to find a way into the opponent's goal, they had to pay a heavy price.

In the 83rd minute, from a sharp attack on the left wing by Ali Kassas, the ball was passed conveniently for Ali El Fadl to take a decisive shot, scoring the only goal of the match, drowning all efforts of U23 Malaysia.

This defeat puts them at risk of early elimination. According to the regulations, only the top team in each group and the four best second-placed teams will qualify for the next round.

Losing points against Lebanon puts Malaysia at a big disadvantage in competing for the top spot as well as a place in the four best second-placed teams.

In the past, U23 Malaysia has participated in the U23 Asian finals three times in a row in 2018, 2022 and 2024, with the best achievement being reaching the quarter-finals in 2018.

However, with this disappointing start, the dream of a fourth consecutive participation in the continental playground is becoming more distant.

Ahead, coach Nafuzi Zain and his team have two challenging matches against Mongolia on September 6 and especially host Thailand on September 9.

In theory, Malaysia still has a chance, but having to face host Thailand in the last round means the door is no longer open for the "Malaysian Tigers".

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thua-lebanon-u23-malaysia-het-mo-du-giai-chau-a-20250903184059742.htm