Supersub Fahim Akmal Strikes Late To Give Malaysia 2-1 Win Over Singapore In U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14  – Substitute forward Muhamad Fahim Akmal Zulkarnain netted an 89th-minute winner to secure a crucial 2-1 victory for Malaysia over Singapore in their second Group E match of the 2027 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras on Saturday night, November 14, 2026.

Forward Muhammad Syaifullah Mahruzi opened the scoring for the Young Tigers in the 33rd minute, before Singapore equalised through Ahmad Izzan Rifqi Ahmad Farid in first-half stoppage time.

With the Causeway derby appearing headed for a stalemate, Fahim Akmal came off the bench to capitalise on a defensive error by Singapore in the 89th minute, slotting home the decisive goal to revive Malaysia’s qualification campaign.

The hard-fought win marks a timely rebound for head coach Muhammad Shukor Adan’s squad, who opened their Group E campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Palestine on Sunday, November 8.

India Thrash Guam as Group E Standings Tighten

Earlier on Saturday at the same venue, India recorded their second consecutive victory in Group E after routing Guam 12-0.

Following Saturday’s fixtures, Malaysia sit fourth in the five-team Group E standings with three points from two matches:

1. India: 6 points (2 matches)
2. Palestine: 6 points (2 matches)
3. Singapore: 3 points (3 matches)
4. Malaysia: 3 points (2 matches)
5. Guam: 0 points (3 matches)

Malaysia will next face Guam on Tuesday, November 17, before concluding their group fixtures against India.

Match Timeline, Group E Standings, and Upcoming Fixtures

Key match events, group rankings, and schedule details include:

• Final Score & Venue: Malaysia 2–1 Singapore at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras (Nov 14, 2026).
• Goalscorers: Muhammad Syaifullah Mahruzi (33′) and Muhamad Fahim Akmal Zulkarnain (89′) for Malaysia; Ahmad Izzan Rifqi Ahmad Farid (45+3′) for Singapore.
• Current Group E Table: India (6 pts, 2 played), Palestine (6 pts, 2 played), Singapore (3 pts, 3 played), Malaysia (3 pts, 2 played), Guam (0 pts, 3 played).
• Next Match: Malaysia vs. Guam on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

–NMT