VIENTIANE (23 Aug 2015) – The last 15 minutes of the match was electrifying as Timor Leste threw everything they had into scoring the equaliser while Malaysia made every effort possible to defend their slender lead. In the end, Malaysia claimed full points after their 2-1 Group B win in the AFF Under-19 Championship match at the National Sports Complex Stadium tonight.
With their maiden win here, Malaysia top the standings with three points while Myanmar, which had edged Singapore 1-0 in the earlier match today, are second. Singapore and Timor Leste are third and fourth respectively.
Malaysia’s hero tonight was Muhammad Jafri Muhammad Firdaus Chew whose sizzling freekick in the 51st minute turned out to be the winner. Their other hero was surely goalkeeper Muhammad Hazrull Hafiz Zulkifly who performed remarkably to stop the many Timor Leste strikes, especially in the second half.
Malaysia had taken the lead in the 13th minute through Muhammad Shahirul Akmal but Timor Leste levelled terms through Ervino Soares in the 20th minute.
A relieved Malaysian coach, Hassan Sazali Mohd Waras, thanked all the players and the coaches for their efforts which he said paved the way for this victory. “All that we planned had worked out well. It was not easy but I’m happy to have this first international win here.
He added that many of his players were nervous as it was their first time in such a prestigious event. “We took control after the goal but were surprised by the Timor goal. It was a good experience for the boys and we must now prepare for our next tie (against Singapore).
Timor Leste coach, Kago Takuma, commented that his players did well. “I was proud of my players, they fought all the way but the result was unfortunate.”
It was all square in the first half. Malaysia took the lead but Timor Leste recovered to net the equaliser just minutes later. The Malaysians, led by skipper Dominic Tan, started confidently and it was not surprise when they shot ahead in the 13th minute.
There was a scramble in front of goal which Timor keeper Fagio Pereira managed to push out. But to his horror, it landed at the feet of Muhammad Shahirul who rammed the shot into goal.
It was still early but Timor were in a hurry to get back into the match. They pushed up in numbers with the likes of Henrique Wilson and Francyatma Alves leading the attack. In the 20th minute, the Malaysians tried desperately to clear the ball but it only went as far as the top of the box.
Ervino pounced on the loose shot and whipped it in. Goalkeeper Muhammad Hazruli leapt to the shot but it took a deflection and sailed into goal.
After the break, the Malaysians continued to press on and just six minutes after the game resumed, struck their second goal. Stunned by the goal, Timor Leste shot into action and were constantly knocking on the Malaysian goal. Ervino, Francyatma, Henrique Wilson were all taking pot shots and the one who should be praised for keeping the score intact was keeper Muhammad Hazrull.
Singapore will face archrivals Malaysia next on Aug 25 while Myanmar has a two-day break before meeting Timor Leste on Aug 27.
TODAY’S RESULTS
Group B
Singapore 0 Myanmar 1
Malaysia 2 Timor Leste 1
FIXTURES
Aug 24 (Group A)
4.00pm: Cambodia vs Brunei
7.00pm: Laos vs Thailand
Aug 25 (Group B)
4.00pm: Timor Leste vs Vietnam
7.00pm: Malaysia vs Singapore
Aug 26 (Group A)
4.00pm: Laos vs Brunei
7.00pm: Thailand vs Philippines
Note: For full fixtures and details, please go to www.aseanfootball.org
