Following a shocking 2-0 opening loss to the Philippines, the "Young Tigers" faced heavy criticism and the looming threat of elimination. Coach Nafuzi Zain apologized for the team's disappointing performance and vowed to make changes and improve the situation.

Against Brunei, who also suffered a heavy 0-8 defeat to Indonesia, Malaysia dominated the game, controlling 79% of possession and taking 23 shots, 14 of which were on target. Their passing game was also five times greater than their opponent's (570 to 152), with an 87% accuracy rate. Brunei were completely outmatched but arguably achieved their objective by scoring one goal from their five shots.

Malaysia defeats Brunei (in yellow) 7-1 in their second Group A match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship on Thursday afternoon, 18/7. Photo: TTN

Malaysia defeats Brunei (in yellow) 7-1 in their second Group A match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship on Thursday afternoon, 18/7. Photo: TTN

From the opening whistle by Vietnamese referee Le Vu Linh, Malaysia launched a relentless attack. In the third and fourth minutes, they scored two quick goals, the first a close-range header by Syamer and the second an own goal by a Brunei defender. The Malaysian players continued to create numerous dangerous opportunities, which resulted in two more goals in the 32nd and 42nd minutes, giving them a 4-0 lead going into halftime.

In this year's AFF U23 Championship, with three groups, only the top team from each group automatically advances to the semifinals. The second-placed teams must compete for the remaining spot. Therefore, Malaysia opted for a slower pace in the second half to conserve energy for their crucial final match against hosts Indonesia. This allowed Brunei some respite, creating chances from three consecutive corner kicks, but they were unable to convert.

Despite not playing at full intensity, Malaysia added to their tally in the 69th minute with a well-worked move inside the penalty area, culminating in Hakimi's curled finish into the top corner, making it 5-0.

In the 74th minute, a defensive lapse by Malaysia allowed Brunei forward Syamra to steal the ball and dribble into the box, skillfully turning a defender before firing a shot into the far corner, reducing the deficit to 5-1. This was Brunei's first goal of the tournament, prompting joyous celebrations. Syamra even kissed the ground and then covered his face, overcome with emotion.

However, Syamra's tears of joy had barely dried before Brunei conceded again. In the 76th minute, midfielder Tierney scored his first goal of the tournament with a shot from a tight angle after two consecutive attempts, extending Malaysia's lead to 6-1. In the 89th minute, forward Bin Rosli completed his brace with a close-range finish, sealing a 7-1 victory.

With three points secured, Malaysia must now win against hosts Indonesia in their final group match to have a chance of reaching the semifinals. Meanwhile, Brunei, with two heavy defeats, have been officially eliminated and will face the Philippines in their last match.

The 2025 AFF U23 Championship takes place from 15/7 to 29/7 in Indonesia, with 10 teams divided into three groups. The teams play a round-robin format, with the top three group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semifinals.

Tomorrow, Vietnam will play their opening match against Laos at 5 PM.

Duc Dong