KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hopes of qualifying for next year's Under-20 Asian Cup are in jeopardy following a 1-0 defeat to hosts Tajikistan in Friday's Group E qualifying match at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
Despite battling the chilly 16-degree Celsius late kickoff, Juan Torres Garrido's squad displayed commendable resilience, holding off their opponents until a stoppage-time goal from midfielder Khushvakhtov Dzhovidon.
The win propels Tajikistan into second place in Group E with six points, while Malaysia dropped to third with four points from three matches.
Malaysia now face a must-win match against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
However, even a victory will not guarantee them the top spot in the group, which is now led by North Korea, who edged Oman 1-0 today.
Malaysia's only hope of qualifying for the Asian Cup lies in finishing as one of the five best second-placed teams.