The team had to be content with the silver medal after being defeated 1-4 by Indonesia.

Team manager Addy Shairullyzam said the players had appeared lethargic before the final match began.

“Half the players in the squad suffered food poisoning which resulted in diarrhoea and vomiting, he said, while the medical team put three players on intravenous drips.

“Nonetheless, the players were determined to play until the final whistle. We tried to get an early goal but their fitness had been affected and their energy level was also low,” he told reporters after the match here today.

Addy added that the cause of the food poisoning has not been identified yet as all the players consumed food served in the hotel where the contingent stayed.

Malaysia’s only goal in the final was scored by Syarifuddin Akhir in the 38th minute, while Indonesia scored through Dewa Rizki (3rd and 9th minutes), Brandyca Piola (11th minute) and Ramadhani Zidani (34th minute).