KUALA LUMPUR: Striker Darren Lok put Malaysia's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on the right track with a goal in the 1-0 win over Taiwan in today's Group D match at the Taipei Municipal Stadium.
Darren, who came on as a substitute for Paulo Josue in the 62nd minute, found the net from close range during a goalmouth melee in the 72nd minute..
The much-needed win ended Malaysia's poor record in Taipei, where the world No. 137 had suffered defeats in their previous two encounters against No. 152 Taiwan.
Kim Pan Gon's team dominated from the start, but their chances went unfulfilled in the first half.
It was the same after the breather, with Blue Wings defending in numbers thwarting Harimau Malaya's attempts to score
However, Darren came to Malaysia's rescue, notching his fifth goal in 23 appearances.
Stunned by that goal, Taiwan doubled their efforts but it proved futile.
Malaysia now have not collected maximum points from their first two matches.
They edged Kyrgyzstan 4-3 in their opening match at the Nasional Stadium in Bukit Jalil, last week
Malaysia will resume their qualifying campaign against world No. 72 Oman away on March 21.