"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
Gaza Arab plan may involve up to $20 billion regional contribution, sources say
Arab states plan a Gaza post-war strategy to oppose Trumps proposal for US control and Palestinian displacement.
Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.