"I have failed!" Those were the words of confession uttered by chief coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee after Harimau Malaysia lost 0-1 to host Myanmar last night.
The defeat in the last group B match at Thuwunna Stadium on Saturday night has resulted in the national squad's failure to qualify for the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals.
This also means Kim Swee has failed to achieve the key performance index (KPI) set by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on him, to guide the team to win the AFF Suzuki Cup.
"This is a failure because I have been given the responsibility to win this game, I have to look back at every mistake done and try to fix it," he said.
READ: Myanmar beat M'sia 1-0 to enter AFF Cup semi-finals
READ: Malaysia will "roar" for victory against Myanmar - Kim Swee
Malaysia beat Cambodia 3-2 in the opening group match on Nov 20 before losing 0-1 to Group B winners Vietnam in the second group match, three days later.
In the match against Myanmar, a draw does not guarantee the advance of Malaysia to the semi-finals, as only a victory over the host will do so.
However, the mission failed to be realised by the players when David Htan managed to squeeze a shot pass Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 88th minute.
READ: AFF Suzuki Cup: Ong Kim Swee prepared to take responsibility
READ: Sathianathan advises Kim Swee to take a break after AFF Cup exit
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi apologised to the fans for their failure to complete the initial mission to reach the semis.
"I am quite disappointed with the result. We have tried our best in this match but I finally conceded in the final minutes.
"I apologise for not being able to bring Malaysia to the semi-finals," he said.
On the same note, national striker Safee Sali admitted he was disappointed for his failure to help his team beat Myanmar after almost securing a goal when he was brought in.
Astro Arena
Sun Nov 27 2016
The defeat to Myanmar means Kim Swee has failed to achieve the key performance index (KPI) set by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on him, to guide the team to win the AFF Suzuki Cup. - Filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
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.