Malaysia started strongly and came close within the first five minutes with Safawi Rasid blazing over the bar twice as the Harimau Malaya looked to impose themselves early on in front of a sold-out stadium.

And it was Safawi again who went close to breaking the deadlock with the first meaningful shot on target in the 19th minute.

Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines - ASEAN's three representatives at UAE 2019 - advanced without much fuss to the semi-finals with the Sven-Goran Erikkson-led Azkals impressing by holding Indonesia 0-0 at the imposing Gelora Bung Karno in their final Group B tie to seal a last four berth.

Malaysia missed out on qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and Tan Cheng Hoe's side will be aiming for regional glory to make up for missing on the Continental extravaganza.

Five-time champions Thailand will play Malaysia next while Philippines will take on Group A winners Vietnam in the two-leg semi-finals.

Malaysia leapfrogged Myanmar to finish second with nine points and will face the winners of Group B, while Vietnam took top spot with 10 points and will face the Group B runners-up in the last four which will be played over two legs.

The draw took Thailand to top spot in the group on seven points, ahead of Philippines on goal difference while Singapore have six points heading into Sunday's final group stage matchday.

Thailand will only need a draw against Singapore to advance, as will the Philippines should they avoid defeat against Indonesia and Singapore fail to win.

The result sees Myanmar topping the group on seven points, ahead of Vietnam on goal difference. The Golden Dragons will face already eliminated Cambodia in their final preliminary game, while Myanmar travel to Malaysia on Saturday in a match which will decide which team advances to the semi-finals.

Myanmar 0-0 Vietnam

Thailand lead the group ahead of Philippines - who are also on six points - on goal difference, while fourth-placed Indonesia must beat the Azkals in their final preliminary tie for a chance to advance to the last four while out of contention Timor-Leste will end their campaign against Singapore.