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Friday February 24, 2006

Malaysian go down to Kiwis again

AUCKLAND: A late goal by substitute Andy Barron secured a 2-1 win for New Zealand against Malaysia in a closely fought friendly international yesterday.

The result sealed a 2-0 series win for the home side and for the second time Malaysia's defeat came in the final three minutes. Their 1-0 defeat on Sunday in Christchurch was played out in a similar fashion.

Barron collected a rebound off his own shot for the second goal, firing the ball high into the left side of the goal.

Campbell Banks celebrated his debut for New Zealand by opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Leo Bertos chipped into the box, and the connecting header from Jeff Fleming found Banks, who safely guided the ball past keeper Mohammad Syamsuri Mustafa.

The Malaysians hit back in the 24th minute when Mohammad Safee Sali eluded his marker and blasted past New Zealand keeper Glen Moss.

Malaysia could easily have shot into the lead when, with 12 minutes remaining, a slashing run down the left flank and a cross from Chan Wing Hoong skidded past the goal mouth and the lunging boot of a Malaysian attacker.

But New Zealand too had several missed chances in a generally scrappy match. Without the excellent work of Syamsuri, the margin of victory for the home side could easily have been two or three goals.

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