Harimau Malaya Roar To Comeback Win Against Kyrgyzstan

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Harimau Malaya’s Dominic Tan Jun Jin in action against Kyrgyzstan’s Batyrkanov Ernst in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup. Malaysia defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in Group D. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Faisal Halim bagged an injury-time winner to help Malaysia get off to a winning start for their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup.
The national team came through with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win against Kyrgyzstan in Group D after falling behind 1-2 at the break.
Undaunted, Harimau Malaya clawed back to 3-2 when Christian Brauzman scored an own goal in the 72nd minute, with Dion Cools equalising five minutes later before Faisal sealed the win late on.
Cools opened the scoring in the seventh minute, but goals from Kayrat Zhyrgalbek Uulu and Ernist Batyrkanov in the 42nd and 44th minute gave the visitors a boost heading into the locker room at half-time.
Malaysia next face Taiwan on Nov 21. Harimau Malaya take on Oman twice, away on March 21 and at home on March 26 next year, followed by the away match against Kyrgyzstan on June 6. They close out their qualifiers with a match at home against Taiwan on June 11.
The nine group winners and runners-up will automatically qualify for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and continue their passage into the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the first time ever, Asia will have eight direct berths at the World Cup at the 2026 edition – which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
An additional nation will participate in a play-off tournament for a possible total of nine representatives from Asia. - FMT

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