Malaysia won 2-0 against Hong Kong in an international friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. There was no scene of celebration in Kuala Terengganu tonight as there was nothing much at stake.
At first mad redo1 rode his Mortimer to T-Cafe, the scene where celebrations were loud and boisterous after the final whistle of the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup was blown and Malaysia were crowned champions. Unfortunately, it did not show the telecast on its big screen this time (how unpatriotic).
It was not Indonesia, of course. But the first outing for the Malayan Tigers after the successful campaign in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup was equally important as fans would want to see the continuation of the good work that have been done during the tournament.
With none of his GSN mates around he decided to ride around and after riding around for a few minutes he went to the Shahbandar. Much to his surprise the match was telecast on the big screen there. Thus he parked his Mortimer and sat his bums and set himself to see the Malayan Tigers in action again.
There were a few changes in the starting line-up with Aidil Zakuan returning to the centre of defence, partnering Fadzli Shas. In midfield Gurusamy started the match in the position occupied by Amar Rohidan during the Suzuki Cup. While Safee Salee had Ahmad Fakri Saraani as his partner instead of Norshahrul Idlan Talaha who began the match on the bench.
The match was largely played in the middle but it was Malaysia who first had their sight on goal with Safee's half volley stinging the Hong Kong goalkeeper into action. With the action being largely played in the middle there were not many chances.
(Image was taken from Sukan Mania page)
As the match was edging towards the interval Malaysia's persistent play paid off when skipper Safiq Rahim chased a seemingly lost cause bear unexpected fruit. A Hong Kong defender tried to shield the ball from Safiq but he miscalculated his attempt and fell to the ground.
In the process his feet kept the ball in play which Safiq gleefully took and after beating another defender unleashed a low shot which beat the goalkeeper at the near post. Rajagobal's men went to the dressing room with a single goal lead.
The match became livelier in the second half as the visitors tried to take something out of the match. Goalkeepers Khairul Fahmi and his substitute, Farizal Marlias both had to made several routine saves but overall the Malaysian defence dealt with everything Hong Kong threw at them.
Kunanlan and substitute Mahathevan both had opportunities to give their country a healthier lead but failed to hit the target with their attempts. Then as the match seemed to end with just a goal, Amirulhadi Zainal received a wonderful long pass from Sabree Abu inside the box.
The Selangor winger's first touch was a bit heavy and took the ball wide from the goal. At first it seemed the goalscoring opportunity was lost but Hadi kept his cool and swung his right foot. The ball hit the retreating goalkeeper, wrong-footing the covering defender before trickling into the net.
It was 2-0 and in the end it was all that matters for all Malaysians.
For mad redo1 the way the Malaysian team played it was a sign of maturity with every player seemed comfortable on the ball and when passing it around. Everybody seemed to be on the same wavelength most of the time.
However, it was just a friendly and the real deal will come when they face better quality oppositions in a more competitive environment. But until that day, it was certainly a win to enjoy before life returns to Super League action this Friday with Terengganu travelling to Kangar to face the Northern Lions while T-Team 'entertain' the Young Tigers.
Current standings of the Super League after two round of matches.
(click for a larger view)
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