According to the format, Nepal was scheduled to host Malaysia in their capital, Kathmandu. However, due to the deteriorating condition of Dasarath Stadium and an unstable situation at home, Nepal borrowed Malaysia's Bukit Jalil Stadium as their home ground, similar to when they used Thong Nhat Stadium to host Vietnam in September.

Malaysia is currently facing a crisis after FIFA accused them of falsifying documents to naturalize seven players used in their 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. Before any potential penalties from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Malaysia capitalized on their home advantage to secure three points, thereby increasing their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Malaysia (in yellow) defeated Nepal 1-0 in the fifth round of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Bukit Jalil Stadium on 18/11 evening. *Photo: FAM*

Facing a Nepal team that focused primarily on mass defense, Malaysia struggled to create scoring opportunities. They mainly relied on aerial balls to threaten goalkeeper Chamjong. However, three clear headed chances from Malaysia were expertly saved by the Nepal goalkeeper.

Nepal, already eliminated, treated the match as a formality and played without much intensity. Throughout the game, they managed only one advance into the opponent's penalty area, which resulted in a corner kick. Otherwise, the South Asian representative failed to register any shots on Malaysia's goal.

After a goalless first half, Malaysia played with greater determination in the second half and were rewarded in the 56th minute. Following a teammate's pass that bypassed a Nepal defender, forward Faisal Halim broke through to face the goalkeeper and easily scored the opening goal.

Malaysia created more opportunities afterward but could not add to their tally. In the 90th minute, during a Malaysian corner kick, Nepal's Limbu initially pulled down a Malaysian forward, leading the referee to issue a yellow card and order a retake of the corner. However, Limbu then intentionally pulled down the opponent a second time just seconds later. This time, the referee issued a second yellow card to Limbu, resulting in a penalty for Malaysia.

From the penalty spot, forward Josue missed, sending the ball over the crossbar. Nevertheless, the 1-0 result gave Malaysia a full 15 points from five matches played in Group F.

Vietnam currently has 9 points from four matches. To secure the top spot in Group F, Vietnam must defeat Laos in tomorrow's match on 19/11, and then achieve a decisive victory over Malaysia by a five-goal margin in the final match on 31/3/2026.

Starting lineups:Nepal: Chamjong, Chand, Dangi, Sanish Shrestha, Tamang, Lama, Sumit Shrestha, Gurung, Limbu, Karki, Bista.Malaysia: Hazmi, Corbin Ong, Harith, Ubaidullah, Dion Cools, Nooa Laine, Wilkin, Davies, Arif, Nazimi, Safawi Rasid.

Duc Dong