KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have now gone 11 matches without a win after they drew 2-2 with Mongolia in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The national team were hoping to secure a morale-boosting result last night with Tan Cheng Hoe in charge for the first time since taking over from Portuguese Eduardo Vingada last December but it wasn’t meant to be.
The home side have only themselves to blame for throwing the lead twice in a game in which they were in full control.
Malaysia took the lead in the 30th minute when Mongolia captain Turbat Daginaa put the ball into his own net after being pressured by Fadhli Shas, following a corner kick by Safawi Rasid.
Malaysia then stepped up their efforts to double the advantage but the Mongolians defended valiantly.
Fadhli then went from hero to zero as his failure to intercept a pass led to Mongolia equalising in the 41st minute.
Enkhbileg Puredorj made the most of the Malaysian centreback’s blunder to beat Muhd Haziq Nadzli with a brilliant chip.
A moment later, Fadhli almost gifted the visitors another goal with a clumsy back pass but Haziq managed to clear.
Muhd Akhyar Abdul Rashid was brought in to replace Mahali Jasuli and he took just 10 minutes to repay Cheng Hoe.
The 18-year-old Akhyar did well to beat two defenders before his shot was deflected by Turbatinto the Mongolian goal.
It was certainly an international debut to cherish for the 18-year-old Kedah midfielder. However, the world No. 189 ranked Mongolia ensured they left with their heads held high.
Gankhayung Serod Yanjiv spoilt the home side’s party with a free-kick from outside the box – denying Malaysia their victory since November 2016.
Malaysia face Lebanon in their final Asian Cup qualifying group match in Beirut on March 27.
Cheng Hoe’s side will also play Nepal in another friendly on April 1.
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