An early strike by Joao Figueiredo secured Malaysia a 1-0 win over Palestine in a Tier 1 international friendly, ending a 24-year winless run against the West Asian side.
Harimau Malaya’s last victory over Palestine was in March 2001, when they won 4-3 in a World Cup qualifier.
Head coach Peter Cklamovski rotated his line-up at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri by resting key players such as Jon Irazabal, Stuart Wilkin, Endrick dos Santos and Corbin Ong, reported Berita Harian.
The breakthrough came in the third minute when Figueiredo finished a cross from Quentin Cheng.
Palestine pushed for an equaliser but were held off by a solid Malaysian defence led by Shahrul Saad, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, Dominic Tan and Cheng.
Malaysia had several chances to extend their lead.
Shahrul’s long-range effort in the 22nd minute forced goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh into a diving save, while Gabriel Palmero saw his shot denied in the 35th minute.
Arif Aiman Hanapi also went close but could not find the target.
Palestine threatened in the 25th minute through Bader Mousa, but Malaysian goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed produced a crucial stop.
Cklamovski introduced Corbin Ong after the break to reinforce the backline.
Although Malaysia controlled much of the second half, their attack lacked a finishing touch, allowing Palestine to dominate possession late in the game.
Scotland-based Richard Chin made his long-awaited debut for Malaysia in the 79th minute, replacing Cheng.
The result gave Harimau Malaya a measure of redemption after their 6-0 defeat to Palestine in a 2018 World Cup/Asian Cup qualifier in Amman in 2015.
