Latest news with #MohdHarryDanishMohdHaizon
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.'
