PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have qualified for the AFF Under-19 Championship semi-finals.
They confirmed the spot in the knockout stages after beating Timor Leste 4-3 in their Group B match at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Sunday (July 9).
Malaysia first took the lead in the ninth minute through Najmudin Akmal Kamal Akmal, but Timor Leste equalised through Cristevao Fernandes in the 11th minute.
Harimau Muda regained the lead through Adam Farhan Faizal in the 15th minute.
In the second half, Malaysia extended the lead through Aliff Izwan Yuslan in the 52nd minute, but Timor Leste reduced the deficit through Mario Donasio in the 54th minute.
Adam got his second of the game and Malaysia's fourth in the 62nd minute with a superb finish, but the next 25 minutes of the game proved to be a nervy one for the Malaysians.
Captain Ahmad Aysar Hadi Shapri was sent off in the 65th minute after receiving a second yellow for a rash challenge.
Timor Leste took advantage of their extra man with a goal in the 75th through Donasio, but Malaysia held on to their lead for their second win in the group.
Laos were the first to qualify from the group after beating Singapore 3-1 in the earlier game. Laos are top of the group with nine points, while Malaysia are second with seven.
Hasan Sazali Waras' side will now hope to finish their group campaign on a high by beating Laos at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Jakarta on July 11.
