Football
Merderka Cup: India knocked out of semi-final- Highlights
Malaysia secured the victory with goals from Arif Aiman, Faisal Halim, Corbin Ong, and Dion Cools, while India's goals came courtesy of Mahesh Naorem and Sunil Chhetri.
India faced a setback against Malaysia in the opening game of the Festival of Independence, locally known as the Pestabola Merdeka. The final score saw Malaysia emerging victorious, securing their place in the finals.
The game kicked off with an early stunner from Malaysia as Dion Cools found the net with an acrobatic kick, capitalizing on a well-placed corner in the 7th minute. India swiftly responded, with Mahesh Naorem unleashing a powerful volley from outside the box in the 12th minute, bringing the score level.
However, in the 17th minute, Malaysia retook the lead as Nikhil Poojary conceded a foul inside the penalty box, resulting in Arif Aiman calmly converting the penalty. The first half concluded with Faisal Halim adding a third goal for Malaysia in the 41st minute.
The second half witnessed India's resurgence, as Sunil Chhetri beautifully connected with a pass from Lallianzuala Chhangte to reduce the gap, finding the back of the net in the 50th minute. Despite India's efforts, Corbin-Ong extended Malaysia's lead to four with a goal in the 61st minute, sealing a victory for the Malaysian team.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 13 Oct 2023 1:47 PM GMT
41' GOAL!
Malaysia extends their lead with a third goal! Faisal Halim finds the net in the 41st minute, giving Malaysia a comfortable cushion. India faces an uphill battle now.
- 13 Oct 2023 1:42 PM GMT
37' Corner for India!
India earns a corner, and Sahal takes it. The ball is in possession, but his shot is collected by the keeper. India is pushing for an equalizer.
- 13 Oct 2023 1:36 PM GMT
27' What a miss!
A close call for India as Arif Aiman gets into a one-on-one situation with Gurpreet, but his attempt to either pass or shoot to the far post results in the ball going wide. India narrowly avoids conceding another goal.
- 13 Oct 2023 1:31 PM GMT
26' Malaysia on the front foot!
Malaysia continues to press forward with a free-kick from the sideline. Rohit Kumar heads it out, conceding a corner for Malaysia.
- 13 Oct 2023 1:23 PM GMT
17' Penalty for Malaysia!
A penalty is awarded to Malaysia after a foul by Nikhil Poojary. Arif Aiman steps up to take it and successfully converts, putting Malaysia back in the lead.
India 1 - 2 Malaysia
- 13 Oct 2023 1:17 PM GMT
12' GOAL!
India responds quickly with a goal! Mahesh Naorem with a fantastic volley from outside the box to equalize.
India 1 - 1 Malaysia
- 13 Oct 2023 1:12 PM GMT
6' GOAL!
Malaysia takes the lead with a goal from a corner kick! It's an unfortunate defensive mishap, and Gurpreet couldn't do much to prevent it. Malaysia goes ahead early in the game.
India 0 - 1 Malaysia
- 13 Oct 2023 1:06 PM GMT
Kick off!
The match has kicked off, with India in blue taking the field from right to left.
