Piala Asean: FAM minta penjelasan Fifa masa tambahan ditukar

Jakarta, Sept 30 — Malaysia captain Dion Cools has lauded centre-back Brad Tapp and defensive midfielder Nooa Laine following the national team's consecutive clean sheets in their opening two Fifa Asean Cup 2026 matches. Cools noted the rapid development of his partnership with Tapp, stating that Malaysia managed to keep clean sheets in their 3-0 victory against Bangladesh and secure a goalless draw with Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium.

"Two clean sheets, do I need to say more? We did a really good job," Cools told reporters. Tapp, a 25-year-old mixed-heritage defender, is among three new additions to the Harimau Malaya squad alongside Bergson da Silva and Manuel Hidalgo. Cools also highlighted Nooa's growing influence in safeguarding the national team's defense, praising the Finland-born midfielder for his ongoing progress and ability to absorb tactical instructions.

"He's amazing! I remember when Nooa's first time. I didn't know what to expect because he came from Finland, but every time he just keeps progressing. He's really easy to coach. Everything we say to him, he really takes it, and he has so much quality. I'm really happy he's in our team," Cools said. In their next match against Singapore, Malaysia's interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team will aim to secure a spot in the final of the Fifa Asean Cup 2026, as the race for this coveted position remains wide open.

Currently leading Group A with four points, Malaysia is level with second-placed Indonesia on goal difference, while Singapore occupies third place with three points and Bangladesh remains bottom without a point. The group winners will advance to the final, while the runners-up will compete for third place in a playoff match scheduled for next Monday at GBK.