The night Asean football rose

The Star

2 days ago

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.