Malaysia hold Cape Verde to draw
And this draw in a Tier 1 international friendly should boost Malaysia's world football ranking.
World No.151 Malaysia drew 1-1 with world No 72 Cape Verde. That is something to be proud of.
On this day, Harimau Malaya looked the equal of the Blue Sharks, ranked 79 places above them in Fifa book.
But Malaysia needed a Brazilian-born player to restore parity after the Africans had taken the lead in the ninth minute through Sidny Lopes Cabral.
Paulo Josue came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to the cheers of the 11,000-strong crowd at KLFA Stadium.
Head coach Peter Cklamovski made four changes in the second half,
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
From tiny swings to the majors
THE first time Miri-born Mirabel Ting swung a golf club, she could barely lift it. She was three, standing at the driving range with her father and older brother Malcom. The then-six-year-old Malcom was supposed to be practising. But Mirabel's curiosity got the better of her – she grabbed his club, planted her feet and took a swing. 'That was it,' said Mirabel, 19, smiling at the memory. 'My dad and grandpa inspired me. From then on, golf was my whole world.' Her father, Ting Hee Chai, didn't just encourage her – he made golf her life. Mirabel picking up golf at age three, inspired by her father and grandfather. Afternoons after school were spent at the range. Evenings meant more practice. Her grandfather, Ng Siaw Pheng, a devoted golfer himself, played nine holes almost every afternoon and brought her along. The goal was clear from the start: turn professional and, hopefully, make the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). By nine, Mirabel no longer saw golf as just a game. She was spending weekends and school holidays at the club from morning until dark, working on her short game and learning the mental discipline the sport demands. Mirabel gives her all in every championship she competes in. At 10, she left her hometown to join the Sime Darby LPGA development programme at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). A year later, she clinched the Sarawak Amateur Championship – the first sign the family's dream might come true. At 13, she moved to Brisbane, Australia, for high school and further training. Four years later, she took an even bigger leap – leaving Malaysia for the United States. Just two months into college, she faced heartbreak: her father died suddenly of illness. It was a crushing blow, but Mirabel didn't give up. Florida State University became her second home, and she rose again – making history by winning the Annika Award, the highest honour in NCAA women's golf. From there, the victories kept coming: TSM Golf Challenge (Malaysia, June 2023), Vietnam Ladies Amateur Championship (July 2023), Royal Selangor Ladies Amateur Championship (August 2023), 30th Ladies Negri Sembilan Amateur Open (August 2022), 21st Malaysia Games (July 2024), 74th Singapore Open Amateur Championship and the 2025 Briars Creek Collegiate Invitational in South Carolina. Mom Ng Mei Mei (left) and grandfather Ng Siaw Pheng (right) celebrating Mirabel's TSM championship victory. She became the first Malaysian golfer ranked number one in US Division One collegiate golf, the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Golfer of the Year, and the sixth Malaysian woman to turn professional. Three weeks into her pro career, she won the PGM Royal Pahang Championship on July 30, dedicating the win to her late grandfather. From a world amateur ranking of over 2,000, she has now climbed to number two. 'It feels surreal,' she said. 'I started so far back, and now I know I can be the best one day in professional golf.' She has kept promises along the way – to her coach Amy Bond and former Malaysian pro Michelle Koh – and continues to push herself. 'I've realised I need to work harder on my mental game if I want to win on the LPGA Tour,' she said. 'But I have the right people – my coach Kris Assawapimonporn and Michelle – in my corner.' Her motivation hasn't changed despite the stakes being higher. 'I play because I love the game and I want to enjoy what I do on and off the golf course,' she said. The past five years have tested her resilience far beyond the fairways. In 2020, she lost her grandmother but couldn't return home due to Covid-19 restrictions. In 2022, her father passed away during her college season. In July this year, she lost her grandfather on the eve of her debut at the Evian Championship – her first LPGA event. 'It was painful,' she admitted. 'Not being able to be there in those moments is something I carry with me. But Michelle has always been my pillar of strength, giving me hope and belief.' Her training blends precision and care – two to four hours of practice daily, three gym sessions a week and recovery work to stay tournament-ready. Mental discipline is key, and she maintains it through routines she trusts. Being Malaysian, she said, has shaped her journey in unexpected ways. 'I'm proud to wear my country's flag. 'I hope young girls see what I've achieved and believe they can do it too.' Her advice is simple: 'Never give up. Nothing is impossible – it's hard, but it's possible.' Her goals are crystal clear: secure a place on the LPGA Tour and, within five years, become the first Malaysian woman to win on it. Asked which tournament she most wants to win, her reply was instant: 'The Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur.' From a toddler swinging her brother's club to a rising star on the pro circuit, Mirabel Ting's story is defined by dedication, family and belief. She may have started with a swing too big for her small frame, but every shot since has been aimed at making history for Malaysian golf.
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Giants in our own right
Right man for the job: Chrigor Moraes will be leading Selangor's frontline against his former club Buriram United tonight. — Selangor FC PETALING JAYA: Selangor begin their Asean Club Championship journey tonight with the toughest of openers – away to reigning champions Buriram United at the Chang Arena in Thailand. The Thai treble winners, who lifted the inaugural crown in May after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Vietnam's Cong An Ha Noi, are widely regarded as the benchmark in South-East Asian football. Striker Chrigor Moraes, who leads the line for the Red Giants and a former Buriram player himself, certainly knows the score. But he insists the team must balance respect for Buriram with belief in themselves. 'Because Buriram are such a strong team, it's very difficult to play them at their home ground,' said the Brazilian. 'But I remind my teammates we must be strong and concentrated. We too have good players and I believe we can take the game to them. As for Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, he sees the tough challenge of taking on Buriram as a great opportunity. 'This kind of game definitely makes us stronger,' said the Japanese tactician. 'Buriram have 16 foreigners in their squad. I don't know who will play against us but we are looking forward to see what they bring. For us, the focus is to keep our style, concentrate on our football and fight 100 percent. That's our preparation.' Kinoshi, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Serbian national team, knows the scale of the task ahead. Buriram not only boast depth but also pedigree, with several players of international calibre. 'They are one of the strongest teams in South-East Asia along with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). But last season we earned the right to face these kinds of teams. 'I am very proud of my players and our work. To be here, to be playing Buriram, is an honour. Now we must show our style against them.' Selangor head into their debut on the Asean stage after finishing as runners-up to JDT in both the Super League and FA Cup last season. The Chang Arena has long been a fortress for Buriram and Selangor will be wary of the champions' ability to punish mistakes. For Selangor, the trip to Buriram is more than just a group-stage opener; it is a statement of intent. And whether they leave Thailand with points or not, Kinoshi has made it clear that the Red Giants will not compromise on their identity. 'We must show our football. We must fight and we must be proud to play against one of Asia's best.'
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Wolves sign 'fastest player in Serie A' Tchatchoua
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Serie A - Napoli v Hellas Verona - Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy - February 4, 2024 Hellas Verona's Jackson Tchatchoua (38) in action with Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca/File Photo (Reuters) -Cameroon defender Jackson Tchatchoua, hailed as the fastest player in Serie A last season, has joined Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers from Italian side Hellas Verona on a five-year deal. Wolves said the deal for the Belgium-born right wing-back included a 12-month option. No financial details were given but the BBC put a 12.5 million euro ($14.57 million) price tag on the signing. Tchatchoua was recorded hitting a speed of 36.3kph last season, according to the club, and scored two goals with three assists. The 23-year-old is Wolves' fourth new signing of the transfer window. "The Premier League is one of my dreams and it's one step that I want to do in my life, and also the history of the club, the stadium, the fans, this convinced me," he said. ($1 = 0.8578 euros) (Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
