logo
The night Asean football rose

The night Asean football rose

The Star03-06-2025
THEY came dressed in Manchester United jerseys, ready to cheer for their favourite players at the recent Maybank Challenge Cup match.
But as the game progressed and underdogs Asean All-Stars continued to hold their own, loyalties started to shift.
For many in the 72,550-strong crowd at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, it was a night where South-East Asian football took centre stage.
The post-season match –Manchester United's first game just days after the English Premier League ended – became something special for local and regional football lovers.
'I wore red for United, but by the second half, I found myself cheering for the Asean team too,' said Nathan George, a lifelong Red Devils supporter.
'Their charges and how they held themselves against the visitors, were surprisingly effective and their fighting spirit eventually won me over.
A group of die-hard Manchester United fans from Indonesia waiting to get into the Bukit Jalil National Stadium compound before the Maybank Challenge Cup match.
'The early part of the match was not very exciting. In fact, I believe the fans started Mexican waves in the stands to drive up everyone's spirits,' he said.
The turning point of the friendly charity match came in the 71st minute when Myanmar's Maung Maung Lwin swept the ball past United goalkeeper Tom Heaton, sending the crowd into a roar.
'Watching the Asean team fight so hard made me cheer for them without realising,' said another fan, Irfan Fareez.
'It was confusing, but in a good way.
'It started out as a friendly, but the All-Stars really made a statement on their abilities,' he said.
The match marked the return of the English club to Malaysian soil after 16 years but ended with an unexpected 1–0 defeat to the All-Stars, a side assembled just days before.
Despite the short preparation time, the squad, led by South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, played with cohesion and grit against the English Premier League side.
Throughout the night, the All-Stars frustrated United's attempts with firm tackles, tight marking, and confident passing.
Datuk Ramli Sarip (centre) performing for spectators before the start of the match.
Manchester United started with a blend of first-team players and younger talents, including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund.
They controlled much of the ball in the first half but were unable to break through a determined Asean defence.
Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai made several key saves, including one from Maguire's header and another from Sandro Reyes' shot.
After the break, United brought on key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho in search of a breakthrough.
Fernandes came close with a powerful volley, but the All-Stars stayed organised and defended well.
The winning goal came after a quick counter-attack finished smartly by Lwin, who had only just come on as a substitute.
United pushed hard for an equaliser after the All-Stars' goal, but the Asean defence held firm.
The referee's final whistle triggered a split of emotion from the fans, with most erupting in cheers and applause for the Asean side, while a dissatisfied portion of the crowd sent the Red Devils' off with boos.
The Asean All-Stars and Manchester United players after the match.
Kim, speaking to the press after the trophy presentation, was brimming with pride.
'We trained for two days but they played like they were together for 20 years,' he said.
'The team played with heart. I'm very happy with the victory,' he added.
On the other side, manager Ruben Amorim admitted to his team's shortcomings.
'The boos from the fans? It's something we need. These people believe in Manchester United no matter what. It's our duty to improve,' he said.
Before kick-off, a concert-like atmosphere featured performances by Datuk Ramli Sarip, local band Bunkface and Indonesian group Nidji.
Organisers also presented a mock cheque for RM1mil to the Al-Sultan Abdullah Foundation, with proceeds raised from ticket sales and sponsorships.
Among those present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and regional guests who had earlier attended Asean 2025 related events.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool
Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

Tyler Morton signs five-year deal with Lyon from Liverpool

LIVERPOOL midfielder Tyler Morton has joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year contract, the French outfit announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old arrives from the Premier League champions for a fee of 10 million euros ($11.6 million). 'Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool. The English youth international has signed a five-year contract, which will run until June 30, 2030,' Lyon wrote in a statement on the club's website. Morton joined Liverpool's academy at the age of seven and signed his first professional contract with the Reds at the age of 17. He made 14 appearances for the first team and spent two loan periods in the English second division -- at Blackburn and Hull. Capped 13 times at under-21 level for England, Morton was a central figure as the team were crowned European champions in June. The defensive midfielder was responsible for setting up the winning goal in the final against Germany with a pinpoint cross onto the head of Jonathan Rowe. - AFP

Liverpool youth product Morton joins Lyon
Liverpool youth product Morton joins Lyon

New Straits Times

timea day ago

  • New Straits Times

Liverpool youth product Morton joins Lyon

LYON: Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton has joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year contract, the French outfit announced on Tuesday. The 22-year-old arrives from the Premier League champions for a fee of 10 million euros ($11.6 million). "Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool. The English youth international has signed a five-year contract, which will run until June 30, 2030," Lyon wrote in a statement on the club's website. Morton joined Liverpool's academy at the age of seven and signed his first professional contract with the Reds at the age of 17. He made 14 appearances for the first team and spent two loan periods in the English second division – at Blackburn and Hull. Capped 13 times at under-21 level for England, Morton was a central figure as the team were crowned European champions in June.

Liverpool boss backs record signing to shine after win over Bilbao
Liverpool boss backs record signing to shine after win over Bilbao

New Straits Times

timea day ago

  • New Straits Times

Liverpool boss backs record signing to shine after win over Bilbao

Your browser does not support the audio element. LONDON: Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid has left Liverpool wanting for creativity but the signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz can help offset that deficiency, the Premier League club's manager Arne Slot said. Liverpool smashed their transfer record in June to sign Wirtz and bolster their attacking options, with the German international having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz played in a Liverpool shirt for the first time at Anfield on Monday, putting in an impressive performance in the Merseyside club's 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season match. "I think there's always room for improvement in every department. Like I said, we've added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. So, Florian (Wirtz) has a lot of creativity in the final third," Slot told reporters. "We've lost with Trent (Alexander-Arnold) a lot of creativity from the back. Trent's crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position. "But he brings that creativity, the pace of Hugo (Ekitike), the pace of both full-backs – Milos (Kerkez) and Jeremie (Frimpong) today." Liverpool, who won the Premier League to secure a record-equalling 20th English title, have been busy in the transfer market as they look to build on last season's success. Slot said it was crucial to strengthen the squad. "Our competitors are not sitting still," he added. "Not only they try to improve as well but they have also made a lot of signings, like we all have done. So that's why it's going to be a very interesting Premier League in the upcoming year again." Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Aug 10, before beginning their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield on Aug 15.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store