{
  "id": 12356436,
  "title": "Harimau Malaya shift focus to China after unbeaten FIFA Asean Cup run",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/harimau-malaya-shift-focus-to-china-after-unbeaten-fifa-asean-cup-run",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T10:15:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1549152/harimau-malaya-shift-focus-china-after-unbeaten-fifa-asean-cup-run"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: After an impressive unbeaten run in the FIFA Asean Cup, the national team, Harimau Malaya, has gained a much-needed confidence boost. However, interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe is aware that the real challenge lies ahead against China in November. The team will face world No. 94 China in international friendlies in Guangzhou on November 14 and 17. Currently ranked No. 133, Malaysia last played China in 2023 under former coach Kim Pan-gon, drawing 1-1 in a friendly in Chengdu.\n\nMalaysia secured a third-place finish in their first-ever FIFA Asean Cup campaign in Jakarta, maintaining a perfect record of four clean sheets without conceding a goal. The team's strong performance was instrumental in rebuilding the support of the fans, who had been eagerly anticipating a good showing. Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe emphasized the importance of sustaining the positive momentum as the team prepares for their next challenge against China.\n\nCheng Hoe cautioned the players against becoming complacent due to the praise received following their successful campaign in Jakarta. He stressed that the team must continue to work hard and improve their individual performances, acknowledging that their journey is far from over.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The national team's encouraging FIFA Asean Cup campaign has given the team a timely confidence boost, but interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe knows the real test comes next against China in November.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Sport : Teamwork Key To Harimau Malaya's Commendable Outing - Cheng Hoe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/sport-teamwork-key-to-harimau-malayas-commendable-outing-cheng-hoe",
        "published": "2026-10-06T00:58:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Teamwork key to Harimau Malaya's commendable outing — Cheng Hoe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/teamwork-key-to-harimau-malayas-commendable-outing-cheng-hoe",
        "published": "2026-10-06T02:41:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}