Maloney hails players for performing like pros to reach Asian Cup Finals

We defied the odds: Coach Brad Maloney (centre) hugging his players after they qualified for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup.

PETALING JAYA: The success of Malaysia’s Under-23 football team in Mongolia is special for coach Brad Maloney.

Despite playing under chilly conditions and on a tough artificial pitch, the Harimau Muda held their own to hold regional rivals Thailand 0-0 at the MFF Stadium in Ulaan–baatar yesterday to top Group J with seven points in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.