Cools credits Tapp, Nooa as Malaysia eye ASEAN Cup final berth

Malaysia captain Dion Cools says defenders Brad Tapp and Nooa Laine have given Harimau Malaya the platform to stay unbeaten and head Group A of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

The national side opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh before holding hosts Indonesia to a goalless draw at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. With four points and two clean sheets behind them, Cools’ men need only avoid defeat against Singapore in Bandung tomorrow to seal a place in Monday’s final.

‘Two clean sheets, do I need to say more?’

Speaking to reporters after the Indonesia match, the Cerezo Osaka defender highlighted his fast-forming centre-back partnership with 25-year-old Tapp.

“Two clean sheets, do I need to say more? We did a really good job. Really impressed by him, really nice to play with him, so yeah, we can keep going like this, and hopefully it’s the same in the next game,” Cools said.

Tapp is one of three fresh faces in interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s squad, the mixed-heritage stopper joining naturalised forwards Bergson da Silva and Manuel Hidalgo for the regional showpiece.

While Tapp has slotted in alongside Cools, Finland-born Laine has provided the screen in front of the back four. Cools believes the midfielder’s willingness to learn is accelerating his development.

“He’s amazing! I remember when Nooa’s first time. I didn’t know what to expect because he came from Finland, but every time he just keeps progressing,” the skipper said. “He’s really easy to coach. Everything we say to him, he really takes it, and he has so much quality. I’m really happy he’s in our team.”

Tight race for top spot

After two matchdays Malaysia and Indonesia are level on four points, but Harimau Malaya sit top thanks to a superior goal difference. Singapore stay in contention on three points following their win over Bangladesh, who are bottom without a point.

The final round of Division 1 Group A fixtures will be played tomorrow. Malaysia face Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung.