KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia failed to qualify for the Under-17 Asian Cup after a disappointing 2-2 draw against hosts Laos in a Group H qualifier in Vientiane today.
Arayyan Hakeem opened the scoring for Malaysia in the 11th minute, but Laos struck back with goals from Palindeth Phettakounh (21st minute) and Phayak Siphanom (33rd).
Malaysia salvaged some pride when Naqif Firhad equalised in the 66th minute, but the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
In their opening match, Malaysia were defeated 2-0 by the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE topped Group H with six points to secure qualification for next year's Under-17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, while Malaysia and Laos earned a point each, with the former finishing second on goal difference.