Danial Amier Norhisham's fine right-footed finish was enough to help Malaysia reach the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship quarter-finals in the first appearance at the tournament on Tuesday.
After losing 4-1 to Iraq and drawing 1-1 with Jordan in their first two Group C matches, a win against Saudi Arabia, who just needed to avoid a defeat to progress, was necessary for Ong Kim Swee's boys to advance further in the competition.
The Malaysia U-23 head coach retained most of his first-choice players for the match, opting to start a front three of Safawi Rasid, R. Kogileswaran and Akhyar Rashid.
Despite having a slightly nervous start, the Tigers took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute through Danial Amier.
After a tame cross was hit into the penalty area by Matthew Davies, the ball was luckily deflected to the Felda United midfielder, who kept his composure to score past the Saudi goalkeeper.
Stunned by the goal, the West Asians tried to muster a response, but Malaysia's disciplined and solid defensive display, especially in the second half, frustrated the 2013 runners-up.
A red card to Hamdan Al Shamrani in injury time all but extinguished Saudi's hope of netting an equalising goal.
With the 1-0 win, it ensured Malaysia will follow Iraq, who beat Jordan in the other Group C match, to the knockout stage and face the Group D winners on January 20.
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After losing 4-1 to Iraq and drawing 1-1 with Jordan in their first two Group C matches, a win against Saudi Arabia, who just needed to avoid a defeat to progress, was necessary for Ong Kim Swee's boys to advance further in the competition.
The Malaysia U-23 head coach retained most of his first-choice players for the match, opting to start a front three of Safawi Rasid, R. Kogileswaran and Akhyar Rashid.
Despite having a slightly nervous start, the Tigers took the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute through Danial Amier.
After a tame cross was hit into the penalty area by Matthew Davies, the ball was luckily deflected to the Felda United midfielder, who kept his composure to score past the Saudi goalkeeper.
Stunned by the goal, the West Asians tried to muster a response, but Malaysia's disciplined and solid defensive display, especially in the second half, frustrated the 2013 runners-up.
A red card to Hamdan Al Shamrani in injury time all but extinguished Saudi's hope of netting an equalising goal.
With the 1-0 win, it ensured Malaysia will follow Iraq, who beat Jordan in the other Group C match, to the knockout stage and face the Group D winners on January 20.
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