Move it: Malaysia’s Syamer Kutty Abba (14) trying to move past a Bahrain player during their Asian Cup Group E match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: National midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba wants his teammates to forget their heartbreaking 0-1 defeat against Bahrain in the second Group E Asian Cup match as quickly as possible and focus on their biggest challenge against South Korea.
On Saturday, winger Ali Madan broke Harimau Malaya’s resistance with a long-range shot in the 96th minute injury time, which squirmed past three Malaysian players and goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi in Doha, Qatar.
Syamer, who plays for Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Super League, impressed with his all-around play and industry in the middle of the park but was taken off in the second half.
Coach Kim Pan-gon did not want to risk a sending-off, as Syamer had already picked up a yellow card in the first half.
Syamer said the team were heartbroken but promised to rise again.
“We are sad, but we can only be sad for a day. It’s another day today and we have one more preparation. We have a few more training sessions to get back on our feet, even though we know the next opponent are our toughest,” said Syamer, 26, who hails from Penang.
“It’s an honour to wear the national jersey and when given a chance to play, we give nothing but the best.
“I’m not satisfied with my game. I could have played better. There were lots of decisions that I could have made better and I committed some silly mistakes too.”
Syamer said it was frustrating to concede the late goal but urged his teammates to bounce back not just for the fans, but for themselves as well.
“We fought for 90 minutes but that one minute showed anything can happen. Unfortunately for us, we lost,” he said.
“But I’m proud of everyone because we gave everything we had on the field. This is the result and we need to accept it.
“We wanted a point from this tournament ... Not only the fans are disappointed, but the players too ... just imagine what we are going through right now.
“However, this is our job. To play on this stage is already a morale booster, so we hope to do better against the South Koreans.
“I appreciate the fans who turned up at the stadium. They forked out a lot of money and left their families, so I want to thank them for coming to Doha.”
