KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — Malaysia emerged as the runners-up of the inaugural Commonwealth Cup Futsal Championship in New Zealand, after losing 0-1 to Australia in their last match today.

The national squad, which collected six points from three matches at the Wellington ASB Sports Complex, failed to secure the cup when Australian Wade Giovenali netted the winner in the 32nd minute. Australia secured the cup after collecting a maximum of nine points from three wins, followed by Malaysia (6 points), New Zealand (3 points) and Vanuatu (0 points) in the four-nation tournament played in a league format.

The national side, coached by Marcelo Serpa Coelho, had on Friday beaten Vanuatu 7-3 and New Zealand 5-2 yesterday.

Saiful Aula Ahmad and Amar Ashraf Abu Bakar were crowned as the highest goal scorers of the championship after both netted three goals each.

According to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) official website, the championship would serve as a tune-up for the national squad, currently ranked 66 in the world, for the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship in Bangkok from October 8-16.

Malaysia are drawn in Group A with defending champions Thailand, Timor Leste, Brunei and Singapore while Australia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines are drawn in Group B. — Bernama