Harimau Muda 'A' return empty-handed

The Harimau Muda 'A' squad will return home empty-handed after failing to clinch the football bronze medal in the 27th SEA Games, following a 1-2 defeat by Singapore in the third and fourth placing decider at Zayar Thiri Stadium Saturday evening.

Singapore opened the score in the 14th minute when captain Hariss Harun pounced on a Malaysian defence confusion to slot in the first goal before he netted the second goal, a minute later.

In the 33rd minute, Malaysia was awarded a penalty which taken by A. Thamil Arasu but the attempt was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Muhammad Izwan Mahbud.

However, Thamil Arasu redeemed himself when he slammed in a goal in the 68th minute and the final score was 1-2 in Singapore's favour.

Meanwhile, national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said he and the team were disappointed with their failure in the game.

"Today's failure is not only a setback for me and the players, but also the entire nation, but then, we have given our best tonight," he told reporters at a media conference yesterday.

"I know we went into the pitch in full spirits today, nonetheless, we have to review our weaknesses to strengthen the national team and redeem our failure in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore," he said.

Singapore coach, Aide Iskandar Sahak commended the outstanding performance of the Singapore team.