Malaysia qualify for AFC Asian Cup on merit for first time in 43 years

Malaysia booked their place in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with a 4-1 win over Bangladesh at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Tuesday.

The Harimau Malaya, who beat Turkmenistan 3-1 and lost to Bahrain 2-1 in earlier Group E matches, had needed just a point after results elsewhere went in their favour, which included Palestine's 4-0 thrashing of the Philippines in Group B.

Goals from Safawi Rasid, Dion Cools, Syafiq Ahmad and Darren Lok against Bangladesh ensured Kim Pan-gon's men finished among the best five runners-up in the third round of the qualifying stage.

GOL! 37' Cools MAS 2 - 1 BAN#MASBAN #ACQ2023 pic.twitter.com/mk79iIptS9

— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) June 14, 2022

It would be Malaysia's fourth overall appearance in the Asian continental tournament — the first since co-hosting it with Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in 2007.

They last qualified for it on merit in 1980 when the competition was held in Kuwait.