PETALING JAYA: There will be no room for error when the Harimau Muda take on Indonesia in the Asean Under-19 Championship semi-finals tomorrow.
Malaysia booked their spot in the semi-finals after drawing 1-1 with Thailand in their final group stage match yesterday at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, Indonesia.
But defending champions Malaysia will need to buck up before the semi-final fixture, as mistakes in the defensive area left Malaysia on the back foot to catch up against Thailand.
The Harimau Muda under head coach Juan Torres Garrido, gave away an easy goal to Thailand in the fourth minute after a defensive blunder by Ridzwan Rosli.
It gave Thai forward Caelan Tanadon Ryan the opportunity to take the lead.
With Thailand holding possession in the first half, Malaysia started the second half with force, as G. Pavitran then stepped up for Malaysia when he scored a penalty goal in the 48th minute.
The 19-year-old Pavitran now has four goals in the tournament, one goal behind tournament top scorer Jake Najdovski of Australia.
It won’t be a walk in the park for Malaysia against the hosts.
As Group A winners, Indonesia remained unbeaten in the tournament, securing nine points from their three games against Cambodia, East Timor, and the Philippines.
In the other semi-final Thailand will take on Group B winners Australia, who stayed unbeaten in the group against Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos.
