Malaysia mounts a huge fightback to take down Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in the World Cup qualifiers

Malaysia’s Dion Cools (left) celebrate their scoring during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers match against Kyrgyzstan‘s National Stadium, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia made a huge comeback to take down world No. 97 Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in their first Group D match of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 third round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday (Nov 16).

Malaysia, coached by South Korean Kim Pan-gon, drew first blood in the sixth minute when winger Arif Aiman Hanapi’s corner was finished off by centreback Dion Cools with a superb header.