South Korea's midfielder #07 Son Heung-min celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from the penalty spot during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E football match between South Korea and Malaysia at Al-Janoub Stadium in al-Wakrah, south of Doha, on January 25, 2024. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: A late equaliser by Romel Morales secured ‘underdogs’ Malaysia a 3-3 draw against strong South Korea as the ‘Harimau Malaya’ secured their only point at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, yesterday.
The thrilling draw at Al Janoub Stadium helped two-time champions South Korea advance as runners-up in their group behind leaders Bahrain, who edged Jordan 1-0 in the other Group E clash that took place at the Khalifa International Stadium.
That also avoided the Jurgen Klinsmann-coached team a Round of 16 meeting against title contenders Japan, who came second in Group D.
Jordan finished third with four points, securing a Round of 16 clash against Iraq, while Malaysia will return with just one point in their account.
Jeong Woo-yeong had given South Korea the lead in the 21st minute, but Malaysia fought back with a goal from Faisal Halim (51).
A VAR-awarded penalty, taken by Arif Aiman (62) early in the second half, gave Malaysia the lead.
South Korea intensified their efforts, and Lee Kang-in delivered his third goal of the tournament from a free-kick in the 83rd minute to level the scores at 2-2.
The roller-coaster encounter saw South Korea almost securing a win thanks to an injury-time goal (90+4) from Premier League star Son Heung-Min, who struck from the spot.
That was before Morales struck seconds before the final whistle (90+15) and secured Malaysia a memorable draw against the heavyweights despite marking the end of a thrilling chapter in their Asian Cup journey.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ⚽
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) January 25, 2024
The Taeguk Warriors (Korea Republic) are into the Round of 16 after a thrilling showdown against Malaysia. Here's a look at the action-packed game at Al Janoub Stadium! Photos: AFP#Qatar2023 #AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia #KORvMAS pic.twitter.com/fdpQO3y7io
Malaysia’s coach Kim Pan-gon rated his team’s performance as “amazing”.
“The Korean national team were top quality, they dominated,” said Pan-gon.
“We tasted the top level in Asia. We learned the smell, taste, feel of the top level in Asia.”
However, the draw against the ‘less-fancied’ Malaysians will take South Korea back to the drawing board.
Son said South Korea would learn their lesson as they target their third Asian title.
“If you want to win this tournament you have to be ready for the big teams,” he said.
“We will be ready for any team. It’s a reality that we have to face a big team and you have to beat them,” the Tottenham Hotspur striker said.
