KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — The Harimau Muda have qualified for the finals of the 2023 Merlion Cup after defeating Cambodia’s Under-22 (U-22) squad 4-2 in the semi-finals, this evening.

In the match held at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore, the national U-22 squad managed by E. Elavarasan first scored through Haqimi Azim Rosli’s goal in the 13th minute.

Oozing with confidence following the opener, they then went up 2-0 in the 30th minute through V. Ruventhiran.

However, Cambodia regrouped and managed to close the gap through Lim Pisoth’s goal six minutes later.

A defensive mishap at the start of the second half opened up an opportunity for Ryu Hirose’s team to equalise through Sieng Chanthea’s goal in the 50th minute.

However, unperturbed, the Harimau Muda regained the lead through Fergus Tierney in the 62nd minute, while Muhammad Najmudin Akmal Kamal Akmal’s goal in the 73rd minute sealed the win.

The semi-final winners will meet either Singapore or Hong Kong in the final on Sunday. — Bernama