Malaysia national team starting the tournament tied with Cambodia national team scoring 2-2 in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 Group Stage, Group A at Olympic National Stadium, Phnom Penh.
Cambodia, started confidently, dominating the first 25 minutes with multiple scoring opportunities, but struggled with their finishing. Malaysia, ranked 132nd, found their rhythm as the match progressed.
And in the 28th Minute Malaysia’s best early chance came through a long-range shot by Endrick Dos Santos, forcing a spectacular save from Cambodian goalkeeper Dara Vireak.
In the 34th Minute Malaysia took the lead when Stuart Wilkin headed in a well-placed cross from Daniel Ting, putting the visitors ahead.
Cambodia leveled the score in the 52nd minute after a misstep by Malaysian goalkeeper Jimmy Raymond allowed Kim Sokyuth to set up Abdel Kader Coulibaly for a clinical finish.
The hosts then stunned the visitors in the 60th minute, with Ty Sa scoring to give Cambodia a 2-1 lead, adding pressure on Malaysia to respond.
Malaysia’s resilience showed in the 73rd minute when substitute Fergus Tierney, making his senior team debut, scored the equalizer. The 21-year-old forward capitalized on a well-crafted play to notch his first international goal.
This draw is significant as it breaks Malaysia’s streak of clean victories against Cambodia, reflecting the hosts’ growing competitiveness.
Malaysia will now focus on preparing the squad for their second Group A match against Timor Leste, scheduled for this Wednesday at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Credit Photo : FAM
