{
  "id": 17209374,
  "title": "Malaysia finish as top Asean team at Under-15 World Cup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/malaysia-finish-as-top-asean-team-at-under-15-world-cup",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T09:57:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1567065/malaysia-finish-top-asean-team-under-15-world-cup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia concluded their Under-15 Festival and World Cup campaign in 56th place out of 189 teams, securing the top spot among Asean teams. Despite the disappointing end, the boys under P. Maniam's guidance showcased a commendable performance throughout the tournament. The team suffered a 2-0 loss to Lebanon in the Tier B final at the Hovsan Competition Complex, Baku, Azerbaijan, following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Qatar on penalties after a goalless draw in the semi-finals. While Malaysia had missed out on the Tier B title, they had displayed resilience and created numerous opportunities throughout their run. The team had started their group campaign strongly with three wins, including victories over Dominica and Syria, and a convincing 5-0 thrashing of Ethiopia. They also held Hungary to a 1-1 draw but ultimately failed to advance to Tier A after losing to Mexico. Malaysia's knockout journey began with a 6-2 defeat to South Africa, followed by a 4-2 victory over Jamaica in the round of 16. Their run culminated in a quarter-final loss to China and an elimination from the tournament following a 3-1 loss to China and a 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Qatar.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia finished a respectable 56th out of 189 teams at the Under-15 Festival and World Cup, ending their campaign as the highest-ranked Asean side despite missing out on the Tier B title.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Ghana U-15 Boys finish FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival on a high after 4-0 win over Colombia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/ghana-u-15-boys-finish-fifa-u-15-world-cup-festival-on-a-high-after-4",
        "published": "2026-10-30T09:21:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}