Malaysia’s U23 national team endured a disappointing start to their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign after falling 0-1 to Lebanon in their opening Group F match at Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani.
The match began with Malaysia on the front foot, showing aggressive intent in the first half. In the 19th minute, Fergus Tierney came close to opening the scoring, only to be denied by Lebanon’s in-form goalkeeper Anthony Maasry.
Lebanon responded late in the half when Al Kassas unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box in the 41st minute, but his effort narrowly missed the target. Both sides headed into the break locked at 0-0.
Malaysia continued to press in the second half, with Aliff Izwan testing Maasry again from distance in the 59th minute, but the Lebanese goalkeeper stood firm to preserve the stalemate.
Coach Juan Torres Garrido introduced more attacking options late in the match in search of a breakthrough. However, Lebanon punished Malaysia’s high defensive line in the 83rd minute when Ali El Fadl finished off a swift counterattack to give his side the decisive goal.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Malaysia could not find the back of the net and were forced to settle for a narrow defeat.
The result leaves Malaysia without points after their first outing, adding pressure ahead of their next crucial Group F fixtures as they bid for a spot in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.
Credit Photo : FAM
