KUALA LUMPUR: In just two games with the Malaysian football team, it can be said that Brazilian-born striker Joao Figueiredo has doubled his impact for the Harimau Malaya.
The 28-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim marksman once again found the net when he sealed Malaysia’s 2-1 win over Singapore in a spirited friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday night.
His first international goal came in the impressive 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2026 Asian Cup third round qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur in June.
Against the Lion City, Figueiredo showed a true poacher’s instinct in the 54th minute, turning in Stuart Wilkin’s precise cross to double Malaysia’s lead after the Sabah midfielder had earlier opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley.
For him, the strike was not only a continuation of his scoring start to international football but also a statement of intent.
“I’m very happy to have scored in my first two matches for the national team. But the most important thing is the win – for every game it’s the win that matters,” said Figueiredo.
“I’m here to help my mates. We have an amazing group – the coaching staff and the support from the fans has been good for us. They are the impetus for us to achieve our targets in the future.”
Malaysia’s first-half dominance was rewarded when Wilkin, deployed unusually as a right wingback by coach Peter Cklamovski, scored a goal of rare quality in the 26th minute.
The dynamic playmaker controlled a lofted return pass on his chest before thumping home a half-volley past a stranded Izwan Mahbud.
The Lions, however, refused to wilt. Substitute Ilhan Fandi, son of Singaporean legend Fandi Ahmad, breathed life into their attack in the 71st minute with a spectacular strike from 35 metres, his powerful shot catching Malaysian goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli flat-footed.
Despite Ilhan’s brilliance, Malaysia held firm, with Facundo Garces marshalling the backline in the closing stages.
Chances fell for Quentin Cheng and Arif Aiman Hanapi late on but clinical finishing deserted the hosts as the score remained 2-1.
For Figueiredo, though, the victory was another step in cementing his role as Malaysia’s spearhead.
“My target is to always help the team with goals or assists. We also want to produce good performances for the people but crucially, it is the wins that count and we want to make that happen in this September window.
“We have a plan and we plan to follow it for the national team.”
