The Harimau Muda A (national Under-23 squad) had an early exit from the Incheon Asian Games when they lost 0-3 to Saudi Arabia in their final match in Group A of the football competition at the Goyang Stadium near here, Sunday.

Their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals, the target set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia, were shattered when they failed to collect the three full points.

The squad under coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee started aggressively with midfielder Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor attempting a shot at goal as early as the second minute but failed to score.

Saudi Arabia's Abdul Aziz Ali M Albishi also made an attempt at the Harimau Muda A goal from outside the penalty box in the 30th minute but was off target.

Malaysia were forced to play with 10 players from the 32nd minute when defender Muhammad Zubir Mohd Azmi received the red card from referee Pu Udom in for rough play.

In the second half, Harimau Muda A goalkeeper Mohamad Izham Tarmizi Roslan saved Harimau Muda A the blushes when he kicked out an attempt by Abdul Karim Ayidh M Al Qahtani in the 50th minute.

Complacency on the part of the defence lineup became costly for Malaysia when by Saudi Arabia's captain, Abdullah Fareed I Alhafith scored their first goal in the 55th minute.

Malaysia brought in Shahrul Mohd Saad to replace Mohamad Izham in the 61st minute after he suffered an injury to his ankle.

Saudi Arabia got their second in the 72nd minute when Majed Omar A Kanabah slotted home a cross supplied by Abdul Karim Ayidh M Al Qahtani.

Ahmed Hassan J Al Shehri confirmed Saudi Arabia's triumph by scoring in their third in the 83rd minute. – Bernama

Injured Malaysia's goalkeeper Ashri Chuchu being assisted by teammates.