ULAANBAATAR: Malaysia didn't get the ideal start that they wanted today. They could only draw 1-1 with Mongolia in an Under-20 Asian Cup football qualifier in Ulaanbaatar.
Hassan Sazali Waras' boys were far more dominant in ball possession with seven shots at goal in the first half itself compared to Mongolia's three.
But it was the hosts who scored first when they were awarded a penalty that was converted by Bunyannemekh Ganbat in the 24th minute.
The young Tigers found their equaliser in the 54th minute through Aliff Izwan from a powerful strike from inside the box.
Malaysia will need to win their next two matches against Sri Lanka on Friday and South Korea on Sunday to qualify for the competition proper.
Earlier in the day at the MFF Football Centre, South Korea crushed Sri Lanka 6-0.
The last time Malaysia qualified for the Under-20 Asian Cup was emerging as group winners in 2020.