Malaysia holds Syria in friendly

Paulo Josue (middle) dribbles past a Syrian player during the friendly in Doha. - Photo by FAM

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia came from behind to hold Syria 2-2 in a closed-door friendly match in Doha, Qatar on Monday (Jan 8).

Harimau Malaya, led by South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon, took the lead through winger Arif Aiman Hanapi in the 39th minute.

In the second half, the Syrians, coached by Argentinian Hector Cuper, scored two goals in four minutes.

Pablo Sabbag scored in the 70th minute, while Ibrahim Hesar got the lead in the 74th.

But playmaker Paulo Josue saved Malaysia’s blushes by scoring the equaliser in the 79th minute.

The game was held to prepare for the first Asian Cup game against Jordan in Group E at the Al-Janoub Stadium on Jan 15.