PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Under-23 football team coach Nafuzi Zain had no complaints after his boys put on a strong performance in their opening match at the Thailand SEA Games yesterday.
Over the moon: Malaysia’s Haqimi Azim Rosli (left) celebrating after scoring against Laos in the Group B opening match. — FAMThe Harimau Muda had to overcome an early scare before beating Laos 4-1 in their opening Group B match at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.
Although they had to come from behind after conceding an early goal, Nafuzi said the team gave a solid display to claw their way back and secure three points.
“Congrats to the team out there because they gave a good performance,” said Nafuzi.
“Winning 4-1 in a tough match like this is a very good result.”
The Harimau Muda were stunned when Laos took the lead after just four minutes when defender Bounpheng Xaisombut found the back of the net.
But Malaysia drew level in the 33rd minute when Haykal Danish Haizon capitalised on a mistake from the Laos defence.
In the second half, forward Haqimi Azim Rosli put Malaysia ahead in the 59th minute after another defensive lapse gave away the opportunity, and that was followed by defender Moses Raj scoring the Young Tigers’ third goal of the night in the 62nd minute.
Malaysia capped off the night with three points after Mohamad Abu Khalil scored the fourth goal in added time.
Nafuzi added that the team’s fighting spirit came forth when they were on the back foot early on.
“Conceding early in the match had put the pressure on us. But we never gave up and just kept fighting to get a good result, and we did,” he said.
Laos have been eliminated from the competition after suffering their second loss following a 1-2 defeat to Vietnam on Wednesday.
Malaysia will face Vietnam in their final group match on Thursday, with the winner securing a spot in the semi-finals.
