Papua New Guinea have been edged 2-1 by Malaysia in their second match of their Asian tour in Shah Alam on Monday night.
Showing the eye-opening 8-1 defeat to Asian heavyweights Iran last week had not dented their confidence, the Kapuls took an early sixth minute lead through Nigel Dabinyaba, who capitalised on a poor clearance and stunned the home crowd.
A volley from Ahmad Hazwan Bakri brought Malaysia level in the 21st minute and the combacke was completed when Alwin Komolong brought down Darren Lok in the penalty area just after halftime and Amri Yahyah converted from the spot.
Papua New Guinea have their sights set on qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and will take their next steps in March when they play Tahiti twice in group B of OFC Stage 3.
Match day two of OFC Stage 3 qualifying concludes on Tuesday when New Caledonia host Group A leaders New Zealand in Kone.