KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya recorded an encouraging 2-2 draw with Syria in Monday's friendly in Doha, signalling that coach Kim Pan Gon's side are ready for their Asian Cup assignment.
In a closed door friendly, world No. 130 Malaysia took the lead through Arif Aiman Hanapi in the 39th minute, and the score stayed that way until half-time World No. 91 Syria equalised through Pablo Sabbag in the 70th minute before Ibrahim Hesar added their second in the 74th minute.
Naturalised forward Paulo Josue equalised for Malaysia in the 78th minute.
Defender Matthew Davies wore the Malaysian captain's armband.
Malaysia are in Group E of the Asian Cup and will start their campaign against Jordan on Jan 15.