Malaysia makes it to AFF Under-23 semis in style

PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Muda squad confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the AFF Under-23 Championship after beating Timor Leste 3-1 at the Rayong Stadium in Thailand on Tuesday (Aug 22).

It is the second win in a row for the national Under-23 team after beating Indonesia 2-1 in the opening match last Friday.

The squad coached by E. Elavarasan topped Group B with six points.

However, they face a tough task to reach the final as Group C winner and defending champion Vietnam awaits in the semi-finals on Thursday (Aug 24).

The national team took the lead through Alif Ikmalrizal Anuar as early as the fifth minute before Aliff Izwan Yuslan scored the second goal eight minutes later.

A defensive lapse allowed Timor Leste to close the gap in the 41st minute through Olagar Xavier’s close range shot but Alif then extended the lead for Harimau Malaya in the 64th minute with his second goal for the night.