PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has qualified for next year’s AFC Under-20 Asian Cup after finishing among the seven best runners-up in the qualifiers.
The young Tigers, led by former international Shukor Adan and comprising players aged 17 to 19, sealed their place after beating Laos 2-1 in their final Group H match at the New Laos Stadium in Vientiane on Sunday (Sept 6).
Malaysia finished seventh among the eight group runners-up, with only the top seven earning places at the tournament in China next March.
Haziq Aziz Ahyok Abdul Qayyum opened the scoring for Malaysia in the seventh minute before Laos equalised through Odin Siphanit in the 60th.
Fadhlul Hadi Zulkarnain struck the winner in the 76th minute to secure Malaysia’s qualification.
Malaysia finished Group H with five points, while Indonesia topped the standings with seven after beating Australia 2-0 in their final match.
