Malaysia’s U19 futsal squad displayed admirable resilience as they battled back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Myanmar in their opening Group B match of the ASEAN Boy’s U16 Futsal Championship 2025 at Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
Head coach Rakphol Sainetngam had earlier stressed that the tournament serves primarily as a learning platform for his youthful squad, many of whom are newly assembled and still gaining exposure at the international level—and that reality was evident in a challenging first half.
Myanmar, boasting a more seasoned lineup, struck early when Kyaw Min Khant opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Malaysia responded almost immediately, with Iqbal Hazim Radzi restoring parity just a minute later.
However, Myanmar regained control through Hae Mar Htay in the 10th minute, before Kaung Htet Naing extended their advantage with a goal in the 18th minute, sending Malaysia into the break trailing 3-1.
After the restart, Malaysia U19 emerged with renewed intensity, pressing higher and increasing tempo in search of a comeback.
The revival began in the 30th minute when Faaris Amsyar Marhaidi fired home Malaysia’s second goal, injecting belief into the camp.
That momentum was carried through to the closing stages, where Pahang Rangers youngster Adam Rayyan Nor Hisam rose to the occasion, slotting in the crucial equaliser seven minutes before full-time to seal a hard-earned point.
The draw leaves Malaysia with work still to do in Group B. Rakphol’s men must now defeat Indonesia in their final group fixture to secure a semi-final berth, either as group winners or runners-up.
Malaysia U19 will face Indonesia in their decisive Group B showdown on December 25.
Credit Photo : FAM
