Jakarta:Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Interim national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe expressed disappointment as Malaysia failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup final despite a commanding 6-0 victory over Singapore in their last Group A Division 1 match.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's win was not enough as Indonesia defeated Bangladesh 9-2 in another group match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, securing the top spot in the group on goal tally.

Both Malaysia and Indonesia ended their group campaigns with seven points and an identical goal difference of nine. However, Indonesia advanced to the final by scoring 11 goals throughout the group stage, compared to Malaysia's nine.

Cheng Hoe praised his players for their high level of commitment, game control, and clinical finishing, which resulted in six goals against Singapore. Despite their efforts, he acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the final, emphasizing the need to focus on future improvements.

At half-time in the final group matches, Malaysia led Singapore 2-0, while Indonesia was ahead of Bangladesh 6-1. Harimau Malaya intensified their efforts in the second half, with naturalised striker Bergson da Silva achieving a hat-trick, but this was insufficient to surpass Indonesia's position.

Malaysia, having recorded two wins and a draw in the group stage, will face Vietnam in the third-place play-off. Indonesia will compete against Thailand in the final, with both matches scheduled to be played at Gelora Bung Karno on Monday.