Malaysia's hopes of qualifying for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup were dealt a huge blow after losing 4-1 to DPR Korea at the Buriram Stadium on Friday.
Sitting bottom of Group B with just a point from three games ahead of the encounter, which was played in Thailand due to geopolitical tensions between both nations, a win was necessary for Nelo Vingada's side to improve their chances of reaching the United Arab Emirates showcase.
In the hope of a positive result against the Koreans, the Portuguese coach made several changes to the team that lost to Hong Kong last month and fielded seven players from Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
However, the Harimau Malaya were off to a poor start as Pak Kwang-ryong opened the scoring from the penalty spot after stand-in captain Fadhli Shas handed the ball inside the area in the 11th minute.
Malaysia almost managed to draw level minutes later when Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor successfully escaped past the North Korea defence, but he blasted his effort high with only the goalkeeper to beat.
After failing to take advantage of the golden opportunity, Malaysia were punished in the 42nd minute as Kim Ju-song headed the ball into the back of the net from a free-kick situation for a 2-0 lead.
Shortly after the break, Kim Kyong-il made it 3-0, before Jong Il-gwan put a free-kick past Malaysia goalkeeper Hafizul Hakim Khairul Nizam on the hour mark.
Safawi Rasid managed to pull one back in the 66th minute, which proved to be a mere consolation.
Malaysia will face DPR Korea again three days later for another qualifying match, but their qualification is now out of their hands.
Regardless of their result, if Hong Kong beat Lebanon on November 14, Malaysia will fail to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
(Picture: www.asiana.my/Naim Mahamud)
Sitting bottom of Group B with just a point from three games ahead of the encounter, which was played in Thailand due to geopolitical tensions between both nations, a win was necessary for Nelo Vingada's side to improve their chances of reaching the United Arab Emirates showcase.
In the hope of a positive result against the Koreans, the Portuguese coach made several changes to the team that lost to Hong Kong last month and fielded seven players from Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
However, the Harimau Malaya were off to a poor start as Pak Kwang-ryong opened the scoring from the penalty spot after stand-in captain Fadhli Shas handed the ball inside the area in the 11th minute.
Malaysia almost managed to draw level minutes later when Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor successfully escaped past the North Korea defence, but he blasted his effort high with only the goalkeeper to beat.
After failing to take advantage of the golden opportunity, Malaysia were punished in the 42nd minute as Kim Ju-song headed the ball into the back of the net from a free-kick situation for a 2-0 lead.
Shortly after the break, Kim Kyong-il made it 3-0, before Jong Il-gwan put a free-kick past Malaysia goalkeeper Hafizul Hakim Khairul Nizam on the hour mark.
Safawi Rasid managed to pull one back in the 66th minute, which proved to be a mere consolation.
Malaysia will face DPR Korea again three days later for another qualifying match, but their qualification is now out of their hands.
Regardless of their result, if Hong Kong beat Lebanon on November 14, Malaysia will fail to qualify for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
(Picture: www.asiana.my/Naim Mahamud)
