Harimau Malaya advances to Pestabola Merdeka 2024 final
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya came from behind to defeat the Philippines 2-1 in their Pestabola Merdeka 2024 match at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, earlier today.
According to Berita Harian, this victory saw the national team’s coach, Pau Marti Vicente, pass his first test, leading Harimau Malaya to the final where they will face Lebanon this Sunday.
The Spanish coach now has the chance to surpass the achievements of his predecessor, Kim Pan Gon, if he succeeds in lifting the Pestabola Merdeka 2024 trophy.
Moreover, this victory came despite Harimau Malaya playing without the support of Ultra Malaya, who boycotted the tournament, and the number of spectators was not announced, unlike previous matches.
In the match, the Philippines initially threatened Malaysia’s defense as early as the first minute, but Harimau Malaya was fortunate when Dylan Demuynck’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed.
Harimau Malaya, who seemed less organized compared to their previous performances, also made several attempts on the opponent’s goal but failed to score.
In contrast, the Philippines, ranked 147th in the world, surprised Harimau Malaya when Jefferson Tabinas’s shot deflected off Feroz Baharudin’s leg and went into the net in the 27th minute.
With two minutes remaining in the first half, Syamer Kutty Abba relieved the Harimau Malaya camp by scoring the equalizer after receiving a pass from Feroz.
Substitute Safawi Rasid then put Harimau Malaya ahead with a penalty in the 73rd minute after Arif Aiman Hanapi was fouled by Matthew Baldisimo.
Tension arose five minutes later when Filipino defender Paul Tabinas reacted after being challenged by Arif Aiman, but the situation was brought under control.
The game remained lively with both teams attacking, but no additional goals were scored until the final whistle.
For the record, under Pan Gon’s management, Harimau Malaya was the runner-up in Pestabola Merdeka 2023, losing 0-2 to Tajikistan in the final.