Paulo Josue scored a hat-trick for Malaysia. – Photo courtesy of FAM
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were relentless against Papua New Guinea, trouncing the Oceanic nation 10-0 in an international friendly at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Tuesday (June 20).
In the first half, Malaysia took a one-nil lead when Safawi Rasid buried a penalty in the 45th minute.
In the second half, Harimau Malaya coach Kim Pan-gon brought on wingers Arif Aiman Hanapi and Faisal Halim and Akhyar Rashid and Safawi, which proved to be a masterstroke.
They were the creative forces in Malaysia's showing in the second half, with midfielder Paulo Josue the beneficiary.
The naturalised player scored a hat-trick in the 52nd, 64th and 70th minutes. Arif was sensational with four goals in the 57th, 60th, 87th and 89th minutes, while Faisal scored in the 59th minute.
Another substitute, left back Daniel Ting scored the eighth goal in the 76th minute.
Pan-gon's side were just one goal away from equalling the highest scoring record. Malaysia's biggest win was in 1974 when they thrashed the Philippines 11-0.
