Harimau Malaya striker Romel Oswaldo Morales Ramirez celebrating his goal against Lebanon in the final of the Merdeka Tournament. - Photo: Bernama
PETALING JAYA: An 11-year wait ends! Malaysia have won the Merdeka Tournament after shocking higher ranked Lebanon 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday (Sept 8)
Harimau Malaya last won the Merdeka Tournament in 2013 when the Under-23 team led by then coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee beat Myanmar 2-0.
Striker Romel Morales was the lone goalscorer in the 32nd minute when he received a swivelled pass from playmaker Endrick dos Santos in the penalty box, before unleashing a finish past Lebanese goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil.
Malaysia are ranked 134th in the world, while Lebanon are placed 116th.
This was also the first time since 2014 that Malaysia have beaten a Middle East side.
The last time they beat a Middle East nation was in 2014, when they beat Yemen 2-1 in the 2015 Asian Cup third round qualifiers.
