INCHEON: National Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee has downplayed Malaysia’s 4-0 thrashing of winless Laos in their Asian Games Group A penultimate match at the Ansan Wa Stadium.
Wednesday’s big win, thanks to three late goals, kept Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the last 16 alive.
Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak gave Malaysia the lead after 12 minutes but Malaysia struggled for long spells to add to their tally. Striker Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (75th minute), left winger Fandi Othman (78th) and Mohd Ferris Danial (81st) then added the goals to give Malaysia their first win in the Games.
Malaysia were beaten 3-0 by South Korea in their opening match on Sunday.
Kim Swee said he was frustrated by his team’s finishing.
“Laos made it hard for us. Luckily, we remained patient ... got the goals and the full points,” said Kim Swee in the post-match press conference.
“I was not happy with the one-goal lead. The players were too laid back after the lead, but they followed instructions towards the end for the win.”
Malaysia must now beat Saudi Arabia on Sunday to join South Korea in the last 16. The home side side edged Saudi 1-0 yesterday for their second straight win.
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have three points each, but Kim Swee’s men are third on goal difference.
Kim Swee refused to predict the outcome of Sunday’s match.
“We can’t use this win over Laos as an indicator for the next match ... we have to work harder. The key now is to field the right players (against Saudi Arabia).”
Kim Swee admitted that he used the Laos match to prepare for the Saudi showdown.
He did not field first choice goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi and midfielder Junior Eldstal on Wednesday. Skipper Aidil was given his first run-out in Incheon, but he was taken off after an hour to keep him fresh for the Saudis.
Kim Swee also gave Gary Steven Robbat, who was not fielded against South Korea due to an injury, some playing time against Laos.
“The plan is to have our best players available for the Saudi match. I think we are on the right track,” said the Malacca-born coach.
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