Jakarta:Si Jalak Harupat Stadium National winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi has called on fans to maintain their support for the Harimau Malaya squad, urging them not to criticize the team after their failure to reach the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup final. This came despite a decisive 6-0 victory over Singapore.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's convincing win against their rivals in their final Group A (Division 1) match was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Both Malaysia and Indonesia ended with seven points and the same goal difference, but Indonesia advanced by scoring 11 goals compared to Malaysia's nine.

Arif Aiman encouraged fans to keep faith in the team, emphasizing their commitment and performance over the three group matches without conceding a single goal. He highlighted the team's strengths and potential growth, expressing optimism for future matches.

The squad's journey included a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh and a goalless draw against Indonesia, showcasing a strong defensive record with three clean sheets and nine goals scored. Arif Aiman believes this indicates a promising future for the team, urging a focus on each match.

Looking ahead, Malaysia will face the Group B runners-up in the third-place play-off, while Indonesia will meet Thailand in the final. Both matches are scheduled at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta next Monday.