KUANTAN, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The national futsal team edged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 1-0 in their first 2026 Futsal Asian Cup Group G qualifying match at the SUKPA Indoor Stadium here tonight to secure three vital points.
The Malaysians got straight to work trying to score from the opening minute of the first half, but all attempts at goal were thwarted by the UAE.
The visitors were seemingly rejuvenated in the second half as they pressed the Malaysian defence, but opportunities were similarly stopped.
It was not till the 38th minute that Malaysia finally scored the goal they were so desperately trying to find through striker Mohamad Awwalluddin Nawi.
Malaysia will play Bangladesh next on Sept 22 and finally Iran on Sept 24.
The eight group champions and seven best runners-up from the qualifiers will join Indonesia at the 18th Futsal Asian Cup in January next year.
-- BERNAMA
