Fifa Asean Cup: Cools wants Malaysia to build on Indonesia draw in Singapore showdown

Cools said Malaysia were particularly dominant in the second half and deserved more from the contest against the hosts, who had been reduced to 10 men for about 70 minutes after midfielder Thom Haye was shown a red card. — Picture from Facebook/FAM

First Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 1:37 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Sept 29 — Malaysia captain Dion Cools admitted he was disappointed that Harimau Malaya could not leave Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium here with all three points after their goalless Fifa Asean Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A draw with Indonesia, last night.

Cools said Malaysia were particularly dominant in the second half and deserved more from the contest against the hosts, who had been reduced to 10 men for about 70 minutes after midfielder Thom Haye was shown a red card.

However, the Cerezo Osaka FC defender stressed that the point earned would count for little unless Malaysia produce the required result against Singapore in their final group match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday.

“Very proud of the performance but at the same time a little disappointed in the result. I guess we were quite dominant, especially second half. We wished to have the three points to go home but unfortunately, it’s only one point but everything is still open.

“Next game, we just have to put a good result down against Singapore. We know it will be very tough, but we are confident we can do it, so we need to prepare very well, recover very well, and then there’s a big chance we can play the final,” he told reporters after Malaysia’s 0-0 draw with Indonesia.

The 30-year-old said Malaysia must respect Singapore but remain confident in their own strengths as they pursue the goals needed to remain in the race for a place in the final.

“On paper that’s of course the idea (to score as many goals as possible) but we know Singapore is a really tough opponent, so we need to be very respectful but at the same time, we need to go on from our own strength.

“We need to get some confidence from today (last night) and keep going, and hopefully next game we can score some goals and secure our final spot in the final,” he said.

Cools said recovery would be key in the short turnaround before the team travel to Bandung.

Malaysia currently lead Group A with four points, level with Indonesia but ahead on goal difference, while Singapore are third on three points and Bangladesh remain bottom without a point.

In the inaugural tournament, the group winners will advance to the final, while the runners-up will contest the third-place playoff, with both matches scheduled to be held at GBK next Monday. — Bernama