Right on the mark: Malaysia’s T. Saravanan (right) celebrating after scoring his second goal against the Philippines in the second Group H match in Thailand. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: From a sad to happy face – winger T. Saravanan’s fortunes have indeed turned for good in just three days.
The 22-year-old starred for Harimau Malaya when he blasted two superb goals in Malaysia’s 4-0 win against the Philippines in the second Group H game of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand yesterday.
The Kuala Lumpur player finished off a low-drilled pass from striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin to score his first in the sixth minute and kept it classy to slot in the second one after capitalising a pass from Fergus Tierney in the 61st minute.
With his goals, he has proven that he is not only able to devastate the defences with his speed but can score too.
The other Malaysian goals were scored by captain and midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (opening minute) and centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar (23rd).
It was a total transformation from Saravanan whose attempts came unstuck despite his dogged determination in Malaysia’s 2-0 win against Bangladesh in the opening game last Wednesday.
Saravanan was elated to get the goals for Malaysia.
“I wanted to get a win but at the same time, goals too against the Philippines. It was great to get two. The way we played, it was easy to create opportunities and I’m glad we pulled through.”
The next assignment will be tougher as Malaysia led by coach R. Elavarasan will face Thailand in the final group game at the Chonburi Stadium on Tuesday.
Saravanan hopes for a win against the hosts nation and top the group.
“We know another win guarantees us a spot in the Asian Cup. We will go with the aim of beating Thailand. Not a point, but a win.”
Sixteen teams consisting of 11 group champions in the qualifying competition along with the four best group runners-up and hosts Qatar will qualify for the final round.
