PETALING JAYA: Malaysia failed to capitalise on a one-man advantage as they were held to a 0-0 draw by hosts Indonesia in their second Group A match of the FIFA Asean Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday (Sept 28).
Indonesia midfielder Thom Haye was sent off in the 35th minute after a video assistant referee (VAR) check for a dangerous challenge on Malaysian winger Arif Aiman Hanapi.
South Korean referee Ko Hyung-jin initially showed the yellow card, but upgraded it to a red after reviewing the foot-on-ankle challenge on the pitch-side monitor.
The match remained goalless at the break, and the second half was just as cagey, with both sides cautious in their approach.
Malaysia created chances through Arif and substitute striker Paulo Josue, but lacked sharpness in front of goal, with their finishing and aerial efforts off target.
Indonesia centreback Elkan Baggott had a superb outing, particularly in his man-marking of Bergson da Silva, while goalkeeper Maarten Paes also produced key saves to salvage a point.
Despite playing with 10 men, Indonesia still tried to hit Malaysia on the counter, but were often stifled by the offside trap set by centrebacks Bradley Tapp and Dion Cools.
Malaysia enjoyed the bulk of possession but could not turn it into goals as the Indonesians held firm to get the draw.
Malaysia conclude their group campaign against Singapore on Oct 1, while Indonesia take on Bangladesh.
Harimau Malaya will need a win to reach the final, or at the very least, secure a place in the third-fourth playoff.
