A Disappointing End: Indonesia and Malaysia Crash Out of AFF Cup 2024
The 2024 AFF Cup has delivered a shocking twist, with both Indonesia and Malaysia failing to advance past the group stage. This marks the first time in the tournament’s 28-year history that both Southeast Asian giants have missed out on a semifinal berth concurrently.Indonesia’s hopes were dashed after a 0-1 defeat against the Philippines in their final group stage match. This result left them languishing in third place with only four points, a stark contrast to their 2020 campaign where they reached the final.
Shin Tae-yong’s men secured a solitary victory against Myanmar, drew 3-3 against Laos, and suffered narrow defeats against Vietnam and the Philippines. The lack of consistency and firepower proved to be their undoing.
Malaysia, despite finishing with a slightly better record of five points, also bowed out in the group stage. Their hopes of progressing were extinguished after a goalless draw against Singapore at home, a disappointing result for the Harimau Malaya who needed a win to advance.Statistically, malaysia outperformed Indonesia, scoring five goals and conceding five, compared to Indonesia’s four goals and five conceded. However, both teams ultimately fell short of expectations.
This early exit from the AFF Cup is a bitter pill to swallow for both nations. Indonesia will now shift their focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March 2025.Simultaneously occurring, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines will battle it out for the AFF Cup 2024 title.
A Shocking Exit: dissecting Indonesia and Malaysia’s AFF Cup Disappointment with Former Striker,Safee Sali
Welcome back,football fans! Today,we’re diving deep into the seismic shock that reverberated throughout southeast Asia – the unprecedented group stage exit of both Indonesia and Malaysia from the 2024 AFF Cup. Joining me today is a true legend of Malaysian football, former striker and prolific goalscorer, Safee Sali. Safee, thanks for being here.
Safee: It’s my pleasure to be here. This AFF Cup has left everyone in disbelief.
Moderator: Absolutely. Safee, as a former Harimau Malaya, how important is this early exit for the Malaysian team?
Safee: It’s a major disappointment. We had shown glimpses of potential in the qualifying rounds and during the group stages,but ultimately,we lacked that killer instinct. A goalless draw against Singapore at home was simply unacceptable when a win was needed.
Moderator: Do you think Kim Pan-Gon’s tactics were miscalculated, or were there deeper issues at play?
Safee: I wouldn’t say the tactics were solely to blame. We struggled with consistency throughout the tournament. There were moments of brilliance,followed by periods of inexplicable inconsistency. Perhaps a lack of belief crept in when the pressure mounted.
Moderator: On the subject of pressure, Indonesia also faced immense expectations after reaching the final in 2020. Their performance was arguably even more surprising.
Safee: Absolutely. Shin Tae-yong has built a promising squad, but they just couldn’t find their rhythm.Four points in a group where they were expected to advance speaks volumes.
Moderator: What do you think Indonesia needs to do to bounce back from this setback?
Safee: They need to rediscover their attacking potency. The goals dried up, and they became too reliant on individual brilliance. A more cohesive and multifaceted attacking approach is essential.
Moderator: Looking ahead, both malaysia and Indonesia need to refocus on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. What are your thoughts on their prospects?
Safee: It’s a tough qualifying journey ahead, but both nations have the talent to compete. Learning from this AFF Cup disappointment is crucial.
Moderator: Safee, we truly appreciate your insightful analysis. Now, I want to open up the floor to our viewers. What are your thoughts on the AFF Cup upsets? Do you agree with Safee’s assessment?
Share your opinions in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going!
