{
  "id": 11352486,
  "title": "Cheng Hoe proud of Harimau Malaya players despite heartbreak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/cheng-hoe-proud-of-harimau-malaya-players-despite-heartbreak",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T04:02:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1546036/cheng-hoe-proud-harimau-malaya-players-despite-heartbreak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Harimau Malaya's interim head coach, Tan Cheng Hoe, expressed pride in his players' performance after their 6-0 victory over Singapore, but also acknowledged the disappointment of not qualifying for the FIFA Asean Cup final. The match, held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, marked the biggest win Malaysia had over Singapore since the 1978 Merdeka Tournament, showcasing excellent ball control and finishing by the team. However, Indonesia's 9-2 win over Bangladesh secured their spot in the final, leaving Malaysia to face Vietnam in a third and fourth place playoff on October 5. Cheng Hoe believes the win demonstrates the team's progress and sets a strong foundation for the future, as long as the players continue to trust in their playing style. He encourages the team not to dwell on the disappointment but to stay positive and move forward.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: It was a night of pride and disappointment for Harimau Malaya as their biggest victory over Singapore since 1978 was not enough to secure a place in the FIFA Asean Cup final.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tan Cheng Hoe proud of Harimau Malaya's 6-0 win over Singapore",
    "Malaysia didn't qualify for FIFA Asean Cup final",
    "Team's progress sets foundation for future despite disappointment"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The win over Singapore shows Harimau Malaya's progress and sets a strong foundation for the future as long as the players trust their style, according to interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Cheng Hoe sees positives despite Malaysia missing out on final",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/cheng-hoe-sees-positives-despite-malaysia-missing-out-on-final",
        "published": "2026-10-02T04:07:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}