Malaysia wins AFF-Suzuki Cup

Malaysia has won the AFF-Suzuki Cup on a 4-2 aggregate. Indonesia won the second leg of the final 2-1 in Jakarta on Wednesday night while Malaysia had won the first leg 3-0 in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The scorers for Indonesia were Mohammad Ridwan (87th minute) and Mohammad Nasuha (71st). Safee Sali had scored in the 53rd minute to put Malaysia 1-0 in the lead.

It was a significant success for Malaysia as the last time the senior national team became champions in a regional competition was at the 1989 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. It was also the first time in the AFF Championships since 1996 that Malaysia has become champions.

To make it a grand night for Malaysia, Safee won the Golden Boot award with five goals to his name. The striker was on target twice in the first leg.

Later Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak declared Friday, Dec 31, a public holiday in recognition of our team's AFF-Suzuki Cup triumph.

It is indeed a great day for Malaysians today. Spirits are high with victory and also a public holiday tomorrow as announced by our Prime Minister.

Even football star, Rio Ferdinand tweeted, "Congratulations 2 Malaysia who beat Indonesia in the Suzuki cup final. I played against Malaysian u23 team 18months ago, quite a good team."

Good job Malaysian Team, you have made us proud!
Resources taken from The Star Online and Twitter