From pressure to pride – Malaysia’s futsal journey hits target

Rakhpol Sainetngam (right) hugs Danial Dain after Malaysia confirmed their spot in the Asian Cup. - Photo by FAM

PETALING JAYA: National futsal coach Rakhpol Sainetngam could not hold back his emotions after Malaysia ended an eight-year wait to qualify for the Asian Cup.

The Thai native broke down in tears and embraced his players when he was told that Malaysia had booked their place in the 2026 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the first time since 2018.