Cools lauds Tapp and Laine as Malaysia secures back-to-back clean sheets

Captain Dion Cools commended his defensive partners Brad Tapp and Nooa Laine following Malaysia's back-to-back clean sheets in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The team defeated Bangladesh 3-0 and then held Indonesia to a 0-0 draw at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, showcasing a solid defensive unit. Cools noted that his on-field chemistry with the 25-year-old Tapp developed rapidly, while Laine, a Finland-born midfielder, has consistently improved with each national-team call-up.

Both players are among three new faces added to the Harimau Malaya squad, alongside naturalised forwards Bergson da Silva and Manuel Hidalgo. Under interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe, Malaysia tops Group A on goal difference and will face Singapore at Stadium Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung, with the group winners advancing to the final.