Malaysia gets 3rd place in Airmarine Cup after defeating Afghanistan 2-1

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has beaten higher-ranked Afghanistan 2-1 in the 3rd-4th placing match of the Airmarine Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday (March 23).

Malaysia’s winning goal was an own goal, as Harimau Malaya atoned for their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Singapore on Wednesday (March 20). 

In the first half, Afghanistan, who is ranked 147th in the world, drew first blood in the 31st minute through midfielder Faysal Shayesteh, who curled in a sweet left foot shot to beat goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Twelve minutes later, Harimau Malaya, ranked 167 in the FIFA rankings, equalised through debutant Faiz Nasir, who also showed that he had a mean left foot by thumping in a shot from outside the box.

In the second half, Malaysia had better possession and chances, but the players weren't clinical enough up front. 

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who was the lone striker, showcased some of his breathtaking runs, but his hesitancy in front of goal was evident throughout the match. 

Bringing on Matthew Davies for Norshahrul in the 80th minute proved to be a masterstroke, when his cross from the right in the 83rd was bundled in by Afghanistan’s Abassin Alikhil to give Malaysia a 2-1 lead.

The scoreline stayed 2-1, as Malaysia finished third in the inaugural Airmarine Cup.