UAE LESSON FOR MALAYSIA

The side from the Middle East scored an early goal in the 9th minute through Faisal Khalil before two more goals after the break through Ismail Muttar in the 53rd minute and then off Mohamad Al Shihi in the 68th minute for the well deserved 3-0 lead.

Both UAE and Malaysia are preparing for the Asian Cup 2007 which will begin next month.

UAE are in Group B alongside Japan, Qatar and Vietnam while Malaysia are in Group C where they are up against China, Iran and Uzbekistan.

Malaysian national head coach Norizan Bakar admitted the shortcoming within his team but one which he feels can be solved ahead of their next friendly against Jamaica on June 28, 2007.

“We recognised the weaknesses in the team and that is what we will be working on in the next week before we play Jamaica,” said Norizan, whose team scored their only goal through Akmal Rizal Rakhli in the 90th minute.

“We are still in the process of combining players and hope that we will find the right blend. I hope that the fans will continue to support the team.”

But while the Malaysian team moves on to what is an uncertain future, talks that a handful of players will be released tomorrow for the FA Cup quarter-final match (June 23) has fuelled questions as to the team’s priority.