Malaysia reignited their quest for a semi-final spot in the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup with a resounding 7-1 victory over Brunei on Friday at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.
After a shock defeat to the Philippines in their opening Group A clash, the young Malaysian side entered this match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium with a clear mission — to claim their first three points and restore momentum.
Head coach Nafuzi Zain made six changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of Johor Darul Ta’zim II’s Aysar Hadi, who partnered Ubaidullah in central defence.
Malaysia wasted no time asserting dominance. In just the 2nd minute, a powerful header by Danish Syamer — off a precise cross from Aiman Yusof — put Malaysia 1-0 ahead.
Only a minute later, disaster struck for Brunei as defender Nazry Aiman inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a dangerous delivery from left-back Shafizan Arshad.
The third goal came in the 31st minute, courtesy of Selangor midfielder Haykal Danish, who latched onto a brilliant lofted pass from Haqimi Azim and smashed home a confident finish.
Former KL City striker Haqimi Azim then etched his name on the scoresheet with Malaysia’s fourth, capping off a slick passing move with Danish Syamer in the 41st minute.
Malaysia continued to push forward after the break, while Brunei showed some resilience in brief counterattacks. However, midfielder Danish Hakimi extended Malaysia’s lead to 5-0 in the 69th minute, completing a fine move involving Haykal Danish and Fergus Tierney.
Brunei pulled one back in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse to slot the ball past Zulhilmi Sharani for their first and only goal.
But the joy was short-lived — just a minute later, Fergus Tierney responded with a clinical finish from a tight angle on the left, restoring Malaysia’s five-goal cushion.
The rout was complete in the 88th minute when Haqimi Azim scored his second of the match — Malaysia’s seventh — after a defensive blunder from Brunei allowed the ball to fall kindly inside the box.
The emphatic 7-1 win lifts Malaysia’s confidence ahead of their crucial final group match against hosts Indonesia, where a spot in the semi-finals will be on the line. Meanwhile, Brunei, already eliminated from contention, will face the Philippines in their last group fixture.
Credit Photo : FAM
