It's Almost Over For Malaysia In AFC Championship

28 Mac, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Coach Razip Ismail has conceded that it’s game over for Malaysia in the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers.

Malaysia virtually kissed goodbye to their hopes of playing in next year’s Olympics after losing 2-1 to Vietnam in their opening Group I match on Friday. In the other match, favourites Japan whipped Macau 7-0.

Razip’s men now only have a mathematical chance of qualifying for next year’s AFC Under-23 Finals in Qatar. Only the top 10 group winners plus the five second best-placed runners-up qualify for the Finals. From there, only the top three will play in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Malaysia, third in four-team standings, are expected to beat whipping boys Macau but face a Herculean task against Japan in their final group match on Tuesday.

“We are in a difficult situation now. It would have been better if we had clinched a point against Vietnam. Now, it’s almost over for us because it will be very hard against Japan,” said Razip.

But Razip still holds out hope for a miracle.

“In football, anything is possible. I hope this disappointing result will spur the players to do better in the last two matches. I will rotate my players for the Macau match as I need to keep them fresh against Japan,” said Razip.

Against Vietnam, Malaysia got off to a good start by taking the lead through skipper Mohd Nazirul Naim Che Hashim in the 33rd minute. But they let their guard down to allow Vietnam to score through Vo Huy Toan (38th minute) and Nguyen Cong Phuong (43rd).

Razip said he was disappointed with his team’s performance, especially the defenders.

“Our defenders switched off in both Vietnam’s goals. As for the attackers, they failed to create chances up front. We tried to get back into the game in the second half by making some substitutions, but the players struggled to break down Vietnam’s defence,” said the former international rightback.

Sumber - K. Rajan www.thestar.com.my