KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob praised and congratulated the Harimau Malaya squad on their qualification for the 2023 Asian Cup finals, ending a 43-year wait to compete in the finals of the prestigious cup.

       The Prime Minister expressed his pride in the national squad, who fought till the final whistle to down Bangladesh 4-1 in their final Group E match of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here Tuesday (June 14) night.

       ALSO READ: Malaysia qualify for 2023 Asian Cup

       "Malaysia has created history! Congratulations also to our diehard supporters. We will continue our quest at the 2023 Asian Cup!” he said in a Facebook post Tuesday night.

       Ismail Sabri, who also watched the match at the stadium, cheered the team with every goal scored.

       He also said their performance on the night was very good and satisfying.

       ALSO READ: Malaysia can’t afford to take Bangladesh lightly

       When met by reporters after the match, Ismail Sabri said he was grateful for the victory, and thanked the hardworking players who fought for the win.

       He also thanked Malaysian fans, both at the stadium and those watching from home, who continued to support the national team.

       "I pray that after the qualifiers, we can give a great surprise to all Malaysians by succeeding at the Asia Cup finals,” he said.

       ALSO READ: Bengal Tigers won’t look lost in Harimau Malaya’s den

       Malaysia has finally qualified on merit for the Asian Cup finals after trying for over four decades.

       Muhammad Safawi Rasid, Dion Cools, Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad and substitute Darren Lok scored the four goals for Malaysia on Tuesday night while Bangladesh’s solitary goal came from Mohammad Ibrahim.

       The last time Malaysia made an appearance at the Asian Cup finals was in 2007 as joint hosts, having failed for 42 years to qualify on merit since 1980 in Kuwait.

       That came to an end tonight with Malaysia’s 4-1 victory. - Bernama