PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya started their 2027 Asian Cup third-round Group F qualifying campaign on the right foot by beating South Asian nation Nepal 2-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday (March 25).
Midfielder Hector Hevel produced a virtuoso performance against the Gorkhalis by scoring a goal on his debut, with a long-range shot in the 29th minute.
The second was also his influence when a quickly taken free-kick by midfielder Endrick dos Santos found Hevel, who then made a no-look through pass for winger Arif Aiman Hanapi, whose low-drilled cross found wingback La’vere Corbin-Ong in the 71st minute.
Hevel, 28, who plies his trade for Portimonense in the Portuguese second division, shone in midfield with his quick passing, intricate plays with fellow midfielders and timely presses to help Malaysia get the three points.
Despite fans expecting a bigger scoreline against world no. 175 Nepal, Peter Cklamovski's first game as national coach showed that Malaysia, ranked 132nd in the world, have added aggressiveness and efficient possession into their game.
The finishing could have been better though as Malaysia should have had the first goal as early as the seventh minute when Hevel’s superb play with other midfielders found Arif, whose cross was headed just over the bar by dos Santos.
Arif should have had a goal in the game but placed his shot into the side netting of Kiran Kumar’s goal.
In the other Group F match, Vietnam thrashed Laos 5-0 with striker Nguyen Van Vi shining with two goals.
Malaysia will next face Vietnam, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
