KUALA LUMPUR: The national football team revolution, engineered by the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has taken off like a rocket.

It has propelled Malaysia to the top of Group F and virtually into the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

This has led to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) expressing its gratitude to Tunku Ismail for his efforts and vision in revolutionising the national team.

FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said Tunku Ismail's influence is already bearing fruit, with Malaysia's resounding 4-0 win over Vietnam in the qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.

"That victory was incredibly special. After 11 long years, we finally defeated Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia's football powerhouses," he said.

"On behalf of the FAM executive committee, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Tunku Ismail for his initiative and commitment to transforming Harimau Malaya.