SEA GAMES 2011: IZZAQ NETS LATE GOAL TO KEEP MALAYSIA IN THE RUNNING

SENAYAN (9 Nov 2011) – Defending champions Malaysia ensured they would not make a premature exit from the Jakarta SEA Games football competition when they edged Thailand 2-1 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here today.

Substitute striker Izzaq Faris delivered the winning goal just five minutes from time to haul the young Tigers back on the right trackfollowing a 0-0 draw against Singapore here two days ago. The draw meant Malaysia had to defeat the Thais today to remain in contention.

Malaysia displayed better form and composure today to deny the Thais, the traditional SEA Games football giants. Skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar provided the opener in the 24th minute after hammering his shot right past keeper Ukrit Wongmeema.

Thailand were clearly upset with themselves and rallied together to make up for the goal. Their best chance came in the 32nd minute when Thai skipper Ronnachai Rangsiyo’s superb shot came off the post.

The goal was just the tonic to boost their confidence againstthe hardworking Thais. Armed with a goal, the Malaysians went on the hunt butwere unable to add on to their tally and they had to be satisfied with the slender lead as they headed to the dressing room.

The Thais started to threaten but reliable goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and his hardworking defenders combined well to shut out the Thais. Thailand never let up and were finally rewarded in the 78th minute, and this time even Khairul could not do much to stop Natarid Thammroddodpon from levelling the score.

With time quickly running out, both sides pressed on for the winner. In the end though, it was Malaysia who managed to squeeze in the winner in the 85th minute.

Malaysia, gold medallists in the Laos SEA Games two yearsago, will face Cambodia next before taking on hosts Indonesia on Nov 17.Thailand’s next match will be against Cambodia on Friday and they will have to reel in three points to keep their hopes of progressing from the Group of Death.

SEA GAMES FIXTURES
GROUP A