Malaysia U20 national team was eliminated after losing to Tajikistan U20 national team scoring 0-1 in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers Group E at Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe.
The Malaysian squad started the match with determination, sending an early warning in the fifth minute when Zamirul Khair’s shot was deflected by Tajikistan goalkeeper Makhmudzoda Shakhobiddin. Moses Raj followed up with another attempt in the 15th minute, but Makhmudzoda was again equal to the challenge.
Malaysia continued to press and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute through a free-kick by Haykal Danish, but Makhmudzoda was once again on hand to deny the effort.
On the defensive side, Haziq Aiman, Malaysia’s goalkeeper, was tested in the 24th minute but did well to save Sulaymanov Abu Bakr‘s shot, which came from a well-placed pass by Khushvaktov Dzhovidon on the right wing. Tajikistan’s best chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Gafurov Masrur’s header beat Haziq but was brilliantly cleared off the line by Ariff Safwan, keeping the score level at 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Malaysia faced more pressure from Tajikistan, with Haziq once again showing his agility in the 56th minute to block a close-range shot from Khujaev Bekhruz. However, Malaysia had their own chances, including a promising opportunity for Zamirul in the 65th minute, whose shot was saved by the Tajik goalkeeper.
Just as the match seemed to be heading for a goalless draw, Khushkatov delivered a decisive blow for Tajikistan, scoring in the final moments to give the hosts a 1-0 victory and secure the three points.
Although Malaysia still has one more match against Sri Lanka and could finish as Group E runners-up, their chances of advancing to the next round are slim. A victory over Sri Lanka would not count towards the five best runners-up calculations, leaving Malaysia with only four points and a difficult path forward in the tournament.
The defeat ends Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup as the team now faces an uphill battle to progress, with their destiny no longer in their own hands.
Credit Photo : FAM
