Malaysia Held In World Cup Qualifying Opener

11 Jun, 2015



KUALA LUMPUR: What a disappointing start.

Malaysia were just minutes away from a winning start in their 2018 World Cup qualifier Asian Zone second round Group A match.

In the end, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Timor Leste at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Seasoned striker Mohd Safee Sali had put Malaysia ahead in the 33rd minute but the visitors hit back with a Ramon Saro equaliser deep into stoppage time to ensure a share of the spoils.

National coach Dollah Salleh had called on his men to win their first two home matches – against Timor Leste and Palestine on Tuesday. But a lapse of concentration has put paid to the plan.

Malaysia have tough customers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for company as well in the group.

Dollah fielded his best men for the job but it was only after the half-hour mark that they managed to find an opening in front of goal.

Hard-working midfielder Joseph Kallang Tie, a constant menace in the centre of the field, chased a loose ball from a Timor Leste defensive mix-up inside the box. The Sarawakian, then, coolly set up Safee, who fired high into the net past helpless Timor Leste goalkeeper Ramos Maxanches.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, poor touches in the final third resulted in a handful of wasted chances for Malaysia.

Mohd Amri Yahyah was the main cuplrit, missing two chances in the 25th and 38th minutes. First, he miskicked from inside the box and then sent his header, off a corner, just wide off the near post.

Timor Leste, however, were a threat with their counter-attacking game.

But the closest they came was when Junior Guimaro’s shot from distance clipped the post in the 79th minute.

s Malaysia continued to push for a second goal and that proved to be their undoing.

Two minutes into the four-minute of stoppage time, Ramon, who was left unmarked, headed in a Rodrigo Sousa free-kick to silence the home crowd.

This is quite an achievement for Timor Leste coach Fabio da Silva, who did not have much time to work with his squad.

The Timor Leste team, comprising naturalised Portuguese and Brazilian players, had to be flown in from their respective clubs in Brazil, Kuwait and Thailand. They also had to fly in some of the players featuring in the SEA Games in Singapore.

The pre-World Cup campaign also serves as a qualifier for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Sumber - Joash Ee De Silva, Star Online www.thestar.com.my