Naturalised Brazilian rescues Malaysia with brace in first outing as national team captain
PETALING JAYA: Leading a team is nothing new for Paulo Josue at club level. And yesterday, on his first outing as Harimau Malaya captain, the naturalised Brazilian showed he could carry that responsibility for the national side too.
Josue struck twice in the space of five minutes to inspire Malaysia to a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Myanmar in their opening Group B match of the AFF Hyundai Cup at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yango.
The 37-year-old struck in the 52nd and 57th minutes to turn the match around and hand Malaysia victory on Myanmar’s home turf.
“I’m just happy and proud of the boys. After only 10 days together, it’s not easy to pick up everything the coach wants, but I think we played a very good game in the first half,” said Josue.
“We conceded a goal, of course, and that wasn’t part of the plan, but we knew Myanmar had a fast counter-attack and quick transitions, and that’s how the goal came.
“Thank God we managed to come back in the second half. Overall, I think we put together a good performance, and I’m proud of the boys.”
Myanmar took the lead in the 10th minute when winger Win Naing Thun broke clear on the counter-attack and forced defender Rodney Akwensivie to intervene, resulting in a rebound which Myat Khaung Kang was quickest to react to and tap home.
Malaysia responded strongly after the break. Winger Mohamadou Sumareh was the architect of both the equalising and winning goals, setting up Josue for the first before winning a penalty that Josue converted for the second.
Myanmar tried to hit back through Naing Thun’s pace and directness, but Malaysia’s defence held firm to close out the win.
Josue was named manof the match, and Malaysian fans will hope he can continue his scoring form when the country face Laos at the Cheras Football Stadium on Tuesday – a venue he knows well.
