Malaysia put up a strong fight but were unable to overcome South Korea in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship quarter-finals.
The Tigers conceded the first goal right from the kick-off as Matthew Davies was unluckily beaten to a long ball by Cho Jae-Wan, who unleashed a half volley past goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli.
Despite the early setback, they took the game to the 2016 runners-up, creating chance after chance while keeping the South Koreans in check.
Ong Kim Swee's team had to wait until the 67th minute before finding their equalising goal as N. Thanabalan, who came on just 10 minutes earlier, headed home Safawi Rasid's cross at the near post.
With Malaysia putting a strong defensive showing, the game looked destined to head into extra time, but Han Seung-Gyu broke the Malaysians' hearts with a 85th minute goal.
The ball ricocheted off the South Korea midfielder just outside the penalty box as he quickly played a one-two with a team-mate before rounding Haziq for the goal.
The late goal sealed South Korea's ticket to the semi-finals, where they will face Uzbekistan, and Malaysia's exit from the tournament.
Although he was unhappy with the late goal, Ong was pleased with his team’s performance and praised his opposition.
"Overall the boys did really well," the Malaysia U-23 head coach said immediately after the match.
"At the end of the day, South Korea are one of the best teams and they did not panic even though we equalised, and they [went on] to punish us.
"To concede in the first minute of the game is a lack of concentration, and when you play against a good team, this is what they can do to you, so I hope the players will learn from this mistake."
Seng Foo Lee
Sat Jan 20 2018
Yusoff: Usah kejar keputusan seri
Pengurus skuad bawah 22 tahun negara, Datuk Wira Yusoff Mahadi, tidak mahu skuad kendalian Datuk Ong Kim Swee mengharapkan keputusan seri apabila turun bertemu Thailand dalam perlawanan kedua kelayakan Kumpulan H Kejohanan Konfederasi Bolasepak Asia (AFC) B-23, esok.
Kelayakan AFC B-23: Thailand belum tunjuk taring
Kapten skuad bawah 22 tahun negara, Adib Zainuddin, menegaskan aksi Thailand ketika bertemu Mongolia tidak boleh dijadikan ukuran terhadap kemampuan sebenar skuad Gajah Putih menjelang pertemuan kedua-dua pasukan dalam aksi kelayakan Kumpulan H Kejohanan Konfederasi Bolasepak Asia (AFC) B-23, esok.
Broad fears for inexperienced England bowling attack after Anderson retirement
Broad concerned after Anderson call
Manchester United Women 4-0 Tottenham Women: Garcia double secures Red Devils' first FA Cup triumph
Ella Toone provided the moment of the Women's FA Cup final with her rocketed finish helping Manchester United Women to glory.
West Brom 0-0 Southampton: Hawthorns stalemate sets up intriguing second-leg
Both West Brom and Southampton could be left to rue missed opportunities after they drew 0-0 in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.
St. Pauli promoted back to Bundesliga after 13-year absence
St. Pauli are heading back to the Bundesliga after earning promotion from the second division with a game to spare.
Farke left fuming after Leeds disallowed goal
In response to Leeds' disallowed goal at Norwich, Daniel Farke claims he has 12 letters apologising to him over officiating this season.
Djokovic stunned in straight-sets defeat at Italian Open
Alejandro Tabilo pulled off a huge shock at the Italian Open to send the world number one crashing out of the tournament.
Lewandowski committed to Barcelona amid speculation over his future, says agent
Lewandowski keen on Barca stay
IPL: Gaikwad helps CSK strengthen playoff hopes with victory over Royals
CSK strengthen playoff chances
Norwich City 0-0 Leeds United: Championship play-off finely poised for second leg
The first Championship semi-final ended in a stalemate, with Norwich City now having to travel to Elland Road for the second leg.
Sabalenka dominates Yastremska to reach Italian Open fourth round
Aryna Sabalenka beat Dayana Yastremska in straight sets on Sunday to clinch her place in the fourth round of the Italian Open.