Latest news with #APPETALINGJAYA
The Star
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia fail to hit AFF U-23 semi-final target
Coming through: Malaysia's Mohd Harry Danish Mohd Haizon (right) vying for the ball with Philippines' goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes during their AFF Under-23 Championship match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. — AP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Muda failed to advance to the semi-final of the AFF Under-23 Championship after they were held 0-0 by host nation Indonesia in their final Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday (July 21). They finished third in the group with four points, while Indonesia topped the group with seven. The Philippines were second with six points but would have to wait and see if they are the best runners-up out of the three groups in the competition. Indonesia dominated the first half with 70% but in terms of chances, they had six, while Malaysia had four good chances despite having less possession. The game was indeed frenetic as both sides were aggressive, which led to match referee Koji Takasaki brandishing four yellow cards, two for each team. The highlight of the game was Robi Darwis' throw-ins, in which the Indonesian made several dangerous long throws that made the Malaysian players be on their toes. Malaysia's first strong chance came in the 52nd minute when winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan unleashed a powerful free kick from 30 metres, but his stinging effort was palmed away superbly by Indonesian goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi. Five minutes later, Indonesia thought they had the lead when wingback Achmad Maulana Syarif made a low-drilled cross from the right, which was tapped by striker Jens Raven, but Malaysian goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani was able to save his attempt.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Harimau Muda face early do-or-die test at AFF Under-23 C'ship
Coming through: Malaysia's Mohd Harry Danish Mohd Haizon (right) vying for the ball with Philippines' goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes during their AFF Under-23 Championship match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. — AP PETALING JAYA: A bitter opening defeat but one that could serve as a wake-up call for Harimau Muda in their pursuit of a place in the AFF Under-23 Championship semi-finals. In their first Group A match on Monday, Malaysia's U-23 squad, led by head coach Nafuzi Zain, suffered a shock 0-2 loss to the Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday. The star of the night was Otu Abang Banatao, a rising 18-year-old Filipino striker, who struck twice in the 13th and 42nd minutes, punishing a Malaysian side that dominated the match but failed to make their chances count. Despite enjoying 72 per cent possession and registering 21 attempts on goal, Malaysia lacked the clinical edge in front of goal and were ultimately undone by defensive lapses. Team captain and centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili didn't mince his words after the match. 'We were too careless while attacking and forgot about our defensive structure. Our defensive line was too high and the Philippines took full advantage of that,' he admitted. 'It's a lesson for all of us, including myself. We'll take these weaknesses and work to fix them.' The defeat now places Malaysia in a difficult position. With only the group winners assured of a place in the semi-finals, the Harimau Muda must now win the remaining group matches against Brunei on July 18 and tournament hosts Indonesia on July 21 to keep their campaign alive. Ubaidullah remains optimistic despite the setback. 'Yes, we've chosen a tougher path now. But as long as there's still a chance to reach the semi-finals, we will keep fighting and believe we can bounce back. Two wins must now be our mission.'
The Star
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
It's not only about goal but grit as Malaysia hail Holgado's heroics
On target: Malaysia's Rodrigo Holgado (foreground) vies for the ball with Vietnam's Pham Xuan Manh during the Asian Cup qualifying match. — AP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. 'A dream night,' he said on his social media page yesterday. 'Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfil this dream in my football career.' The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. 'I want to thank everyone who was part of it – my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute,' he said. 'To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. 'I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title.' From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.
