KUALA LUMPUR: The national Under 23 (U-23) football squad ended their 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-23 Championship campaign in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on a disappointing note after being eliminated in the group stage.
Brad Maloney's charges failed to collect a single point after losing to Laos 0-2 in their final Group B match in Morodok Techo Stadium tonight.
Malaysia, which had to win the match to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals, put on a lacklustre display throughout the first 45 minutes with a series of sloppy short passes, long balls that fell short, a lack of ideas and an overall confusing tactical approach.
Their lack of performance gave their opponents the perfect opportunity to mount attacks that led to Laos team captain Bounphachan Bounkong's first goal, courtesy of a beautiful free kick in the 43rd minute.
Bounkong had been on target twice earlier in the match, but both attempts, in the seventh and 31st minute, were saved by Malaysian goalkeeper Syed Muhammad Nasrulhaq Syed Bidin.
Maloney made several changes in the second half, including bringing in striker Azhad Harraz Azman and Mohd Nureizkhan Isa Japar to bring a fresh change in Malaysia's gameplay, but they failed to create any serious chances.
Instead, Laos patiently absorbed the pressure and took the opportunity to double their lead in the 86th minute through substitute Souksakhone Bouaphaivanh, securing the win for the team coached by Hans Michael Weiss.
This is Laos' second win over Malaysia in the group stage after picking up three points with their 2-1 victory in the opening match that took place in Prince Stadium last Friday.
Speaking at an online press conference from Phnom Penh, Maloney said his side had indeed chased a victory in tonight's match in their quest to progress to the next round.
He said his charges once again managed to dominate in many areas of the match for a long period but failed to create goals, leading to the disappointing result.
"We obviously need to win to progress. We failed to score, although we retained position a lot, we didn't create so many chances and the chances that we did create we failed to score, so again we're lacking in that area, something that will have to address in the report," he said.
For the record, Group B matches only involved Malaysia and Laos, after Myanmar and Indonesia withdrew from the championship due to COVID-19 infections in their teams.
Only the three group champions and the best group runner-up will advance to the semi-finals.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Feb 21 2022
Brad Maloney's charges failed to collect a single point after losing to Laos 0-2 in their final Group B match in Morodok Techo Stadium, Phnom Penh tonight. - Stadium Astro
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.