KUALA LUMPUR (15 August 2017) – MALAYSIA got the win and the three points for a winning start to their Group A campaign with a hard fought 2-1 win over Brunei at the Shah Alam Stadium on Monday (14 Aug).
It was not an easy win against the oil-rich Sultanate who failed to win a single match in the last SEA Games in Singapore in 2015.
A goal feast was expected after the fourth-minute lead but Brunei played well to keep the Malaysians at bay. The yellow shirted Brunei side had yet to settle when Malaysia opened scoring. The enterprising and hardworking Mathew Davies, always a threat on right set up Muhammad Safawi Rasid.
The JDT player did not waste the opportunity – whipping an unstoppable volley past Brunei goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring.
That set the home fans alight – as the Ultras Malaysia got into the mode with patriotic songs to land support.
After muffing several chances, especially on the right with Mathew Davies a constant threat each time he made inroad into the Brunei half, Brunei stunned the homesters on 12 minutes with the equaliser – taking advantage of Malaysia’s failed offside trap – as Mohamed Zulkhairy Hadi Razali drilling home ball past goalkeeper Mohd Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim.
Malaysia were still the better team on the night and Brunei resorted to some rough house tactics with several bookings.
The homesters were not to be denied for their tireless efforts and were rewarded on the hour – when Adam Nor Azlin rose hight to head home a corner off a corner by Safawi.
Malaysia meet Singapore on Thursday (16 Aug) in Shah Alam while Myanmar square off against Laos in the other Group A tie.
WHAT THEY SAY
“This is only the first match and true to my prediction, Brunei are a tough nut to crack. I have to admit that we wasted many chances but overall, I’m happy with our performance and determination especially in getting the second goal. It’s always important to win the first match and three points.” – Datuk Ong Kim Swee, Malaysian coach
“We knew that the Malaysians are dangerous especially in set pieces. We lost our focus and were punished but the team played well in the first half and managed to equalise. Unfortunately, they crumbled under pressure.” – Kwon Oh Son, Brunei coach
