Looking for a way through: Malaysia’s Syafiq Ahmad (left) trying to get past a Laos player during a friendly match at the PAT Stadium in Bangkok. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Turn chances into goals.
That was the call made by national interim coach Pau Marti Vicente although his charges defeated Laos 3-1 in an international friendly at the PAT Stadium in Bangkok on Thursday.
The Spaniard said despite the heavy rain and soggy pitch conditions, his boys executed good plan in the second half but missed many good chances to score.
Their three goals came from a corner and two penalties.
“Winning the game was important. We got better with more possession and plays in the second half,” said Vicente.
“Our finishing has to be better. We scored all from set-pieces.
“We missed a lot of open goal chances. We must correct that. When we are in the box, we have to be composed and strong.”
Harimau Malaya, who are ranked 133rd in the world, took the lead as early as the sixth minute when centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, just making his second appearance, scored a header off a corner. Against the run of play, Laos launched a quick counter, which was finished off by winger Kydavone Souvanny in the 33rd minute.
In the second half, it was substitutes – playmaker Sergio Aguero and midfielder Stuart Wilkin – who ran the show for Malaysia and deservedly got the next two goals. Stuart converted a penalty kick in the 64th minute after he was brought down by Sengdaovy Hanthavong in the penalty box.
Aguero then confirmed the victory for Malaysia when he scored from the spot in the 83rd minute after he was fouled by Phoulaung Vinnavong.
Vicente did state his displeasure over the decision to continue playing on a water-logged pitch.
Players struggled to make clean passes and had to rely on long balls just to get things going in the first half.
“The first half was a shame. In such conditions, it was better to wait and delay the start but the match officials decided to carry on,” said Vicente.
“It took us a while to adapt to the field condition. I felt a little bad because we had come prepared but the weather was out of our control.
Meanwhile, three players – midfielder Zhafri Yahya, striker Fergus Tierney and winger Fazrul Amir Md Zaman – got their first international cap against Laos.
“I’m happy for the players who got their first cap. They are here for a reason. They deserve to play. I’m sorry the others could not get minutes against Laos but we have another match against India, so we will see how things go,” said Vicente.
“We will have two more good training sessions before the game against India, we hope our players will have good recovery.”
The national team will fly to Hyderabad for another friendly against India on Monday.
