Malaysia lose 0-2 to Tajikistan in Merdeka Tournament final

Malaysia's captain and centreback Dion Cools tries to shield the ball from Tajikistan striker Rustam Soirov. – AHMAD IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/ The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia failed to win the Merdeka Tournament after they lost to Tajikistan 2-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here on Tuesday (Oct 17).

The Persian Lions drew first blood when striker Rustam Soirov scored in the 44th minute when he received a brilliant through pass from Alisher Shukorov.

Malaysia could have equalised in first-half injury time when rightback Matthew Davies headed a sumptuous set-piece from winger Safawi Rasid, but Tajikistan's goalkeeper Daler Barotov pulled off a great save.

At the start of the second-half, midfielder Brendan Gan could have scored in the 48th minute but his header off an Endrick Dos Santos cross went over the bar.

In the 53rd minute, substitute winger Akhyar Rashid should have buried a superb through pass from leftback La'vere Corbin-Ong but the 24-year-old couldn't squeeze his finish past Barotov.

Malaysia laid siege to Tajikistan's defence but the Lions blocked out Harimau Malaya with their timely interceptions and clearances.

Winger Faisal Halim hit a venomous shot towards goal in the 76th minute but the ball hit the post.

As Malaysia hunted for an equaliser, Tajikistan got their second in the 87th minute when substitute striker Sharom Samiev capitalised on a defensive miscommunication between centreback Dominic Tan and goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.

This is the first time Tajikistan have won the Merdeka Tournament. Malaysia won the last edition in 2013 when they beat Myanmar 2-0 in the final.