Malaysian fans cheering during the Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, October 13, 2023. - GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia advanced to the final of the Merdeka Tournament in style after defeating the world's 102nd ranked team India 4-2 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
The 134th-ranked Harimau Malaya side netted as early as the seventh minute through a volley from Dion Cools, who took advantage of a chaotic situation in the Indian penalty box resulting from a corner kick by Endrick Dos Santos.
But India were quick to score the equaliser six minutes later after Harimau Malaya goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohd failed to save Naorem Mahesh Singh's close range shot.
Malaysia went in front again in the 20 minutes after Arif Aiman Hanapi scored from the penalty spot after Nikhil Chandrashekhar brought down Darren Lok.
Faisal Halim slotted in the third goal for Harimau Malaya with three minutes remaining in the first half.
The intense action continued after the break as India managed to close the gap in the 51st minute through a goal from their captain Sunil Chhetri.
The situation became a little tense in the 56th minute when several Indian players protested with the linesman as they claimed that Lallianzuala Chhangte's attempt had crossed the goal line but the referee's decision not to allow the goal stood.
La'vere Corbin Ong extended Malaysia's two-goal cushion in the 61st minute after finishing off a pass from Faisal, leaving the 45,000 strong crowd with a memorable night to remember.
"I am very proud of the players. We could have scored six or seven goals but were let down by finishing," said Malaysian coach Kim Pan-gon.
Malaysia will play Tajikistan in the final next Tuesday. Tajikistan got a bye into the final following the withdrawal of Palestine.
