Mahathir, who is in China on a five-day official visit, took to Twitter today to congratulate the team, coached by Ong Kim Swee, for defeating South Korea 2-1.

“Congratulations to the national football squad to the Asian Games. Malaysia Boleh!” he said.

Malaysia had gained a head start against South Korea in the Group E match at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, scoring as early as the fourth minute when Muhammad Safawi Rasid pounced on a loose ball after their keeper fumbled a catch.

South Korea, who had 2018 World Cup player Hwang Hee-Chan on their team, ramped up the attacks after that but failed to make any headway. The next goal was Malaysia’s as well, with Muhammad Safawi scoring again in the 45th minute.

Malaysian keeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli was in top form until Hwang Ui Jo managed to get past him in the 87th minute.

This was the second win for the national Under-23 squad, which puts them in the top spot in Group E with six points.

The team defeated Kyrgzstan 3-1 in their opener on Wednesday.

South Korea are in second spot with three points, while Kyrgyzstan and Bahrain only have a point apiece after playing to a 2-2 draw in the second group match.

Bahrain earlier lost 0-6 to South Korea.

Malaysia will play Bahrain next in their final group match on Aug 20.