KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia notched their third straight win in the Under-17 Asian Cup qualifiers after edging Singapore 2-1 in Group C in Hanoi today.
Malaysia struck early, in the fifth minute through Iman Danish, who finished off a counter-attack inside the box.
Malaysia extended their lead in the 39th minute when Arayyan Hakeem rose above the pack to head home from a corner.
Singapore reduced the deficit in the 75th minute through Aaryan Hermi, who scored directly from a corner, but Malaysia held their nerve to see out the win.
Malaysia had earlier defeated Macau, Hong Kong, China, and Northern Mariana Islands in the group.
Only the group winners are assured of a place at next year’s Under-17 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.
Malaysia’s final test comes on Sunday, when they face hosts Vietnam in a winner-takes-all showdown.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
