KUALA LUMPUR: Though Malaysia failed to qualify for the 2025 Under-20 football Asian Cup, the team did show they have potential.
Malaysia's hopes all but vanished following a 1-0 loss to Tajikistan in a Group E match in the qualifying competition in Dushanbe on Friday.
Harimau Muda were unlucky to have conceded a goal in injury time against the hosts.
Malaysia still have one final fixture against Sri Lanka, tomorrow, but that match has become academic.
Malaysia are now third in the group after having beaten Oman 2-1 and drawn 0-0 with North Korea earlier.
However, the team, coached by Spaniard coach Juan Torres Garrido, did show promise - in terms of skill and character - in the continental qualifiers and that bodes well for the future.
FAM secretary general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said: "The quality of the team is undeniable. They showcased their ability to perform at a high level despite the challenges.
"Only luck stopped us from qualifying. We understand that the fans want results, but we must also recognize the progress made by our players."