Azam and Thanabalan execute coach’s instruction well to turn the game around

Malaysias Nor Azam Abdul Azih (center) jumps in victory after scoring a goal against Singapore during their Group A match of the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games at the Shah Alam Stadium, August 16, 2017. GLENN GUAN/The Star

SUPER subs Muhd Nor Azam Abdul Azih (pic) and N. Thanabalan were thrown into the deep end in the second half of Malaysia’s Group A match against Singapore with one instruction: to press high and get a quick goal to launch a fightback.

National Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee had unleashed the duo in a desperate bid to turn around the match after Singapore had taken a 1-0 lead through midfielder Amiruldin Mohd Nodin in the 37th minute.