SEA GAMES 2011: MALAYSIA MOVE A STEP CLOSER TO THE SEMIS

SENAYAN (13 Nov 2011) – Malaysia missed so many chances in a Group A match here today yet it was good enough to defeat Cambodia 4-1 and move the reigning champions a step closer to the semi-finals of the Jakarta SEA Games here. And again it was skipper Baddrol Bakhtiar who played a starring role in leading the team to their second victory.

“We missed many chances, but the important thing is that we collected three points. It’s definitely a good result. With today’s result, we are halfway there,” said Malaysian coach Ong Kim Swee after the match. “We had a good start but took it too casual in the second half and were punished.”

The Malaysian coach was spot on about his team’s performance which so much in both half. In the first half, the Malaysians were camped out in the Cambodian half and helped themselves to three goals two of which were netted by Baddrol.

The opener was scored by striker Izzaq Faris after only eight minutes. He raced in and headed a cross from flanker Yong Kuong Yong. Malaysia pressured for more goals but had to wait till the 35th minute when Baddrol let loose from about 30-metres out to double the score.

Three minutes later, the Malaysians were on their feet again when Izzaq was cut down in the box by defender Sok Rithy. Baddrol sent the ball left, away from the diving Cambodian keeper.

After the break, the Malaysians, probably happy with the margin they had, eased off, allowing Cambodia to take charge and push up in attack. Malaysian keeper Khairul Fahmi who was not tested at all in the first half was suddenly scrambling to clear the Cambodian strikes.

Cambodian skipper Khuon Laboravy and Phourng Soksana missed excellent attempts in the 45th and 51st minutes. Then, on the hour mark, Khalruil Fahmi was finally beaten after Chhin Chhoeun neatly brought down a cross and forced his shot into goal. The Indonesian fans roared with delight and that drove the Cambodians to keep up the pressure.

Cambodia had a few more shots but as the game progressed the Malaysians began to fight back. And in the very last minute, Wan Zaharul Wan Zakaria, from the left of the box, curled his shot into the far corner.

“Our players lack the experience and the confidence. They have improved with every game,” said coach Tae Hoon Lee.

SEA GAMES FIXTURES

GROUP A

CURRENT STANDINGS