PETALING JAYA: Syahir Bashah came in as a substitute to fill the gap but the midfielder turned his first national cap into a night he will never forget.
The 25-year-old replaced Arif Aiman Hanapi in the 79th minute and scored on his debut in the 87th minute, which was Malaysia’s fifth goal in a 6-0 thrashing of Singapore in the FIFA Asean Cup at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday.
The win was not enough to take Malaysia to the final as Indonesia, who earlier beat Bangladesh 9-2 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, finished level with Malaysia on four points in Group A but took top spot on goal difference.
Malaysia will face Vietnam in the bronze-medal playoff on Monday while Indonesia will meet Group B champions Thailand in the final.
Syahir hopes his stirring start will lead to many more opportunities.
“I was blessed to score my debut goal yesterday, but credit goes to my teammates who worked extremely hard. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our destiny to reach the final,” said Syahir.
“Thank you also to coach Tan (Cheng Hoe) for giving me the opportunity to make my first appearance for Malaysia. Playing for your own country is every player’s dream.
“Our cooperation and mutual understanding on the pitch were at a good level, which helped me to perform well and score that goal.”
Asked how his first taste of international football compared with club football, Syahir said it was different, but that he coped well thanks to his teammates.
“It is definitely different. Even though finding chemistry isn’t awkward – since outside the league most of us are friends – the main difference lies in the intensity of the match.”
He also hopes to earn more minutes with the national team.
“Getting more playing time is definitely a goal for us as players, but I trust coach Tan’s plan. Vietnam are undeniably a strong team.
“However, whether my services are needed for a long time or just a short spell, I will give my absolute best, as will my teammates.”
He said he was also extra motivated as his wife was at the stadium to throw in her support.
“Besides my family, my wife has supported me from the very beginning. I’m happy she was able to watch me play on the pitch and score.”
Striker Bergson Da Silva opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the eighth minute after winger Fergus Tierney was fouled in the box.
Midfielder Stuart Wilkin made it 2-0 in the 26th minute, finishing off playmaker Manuel Hidalgo’s pass.
Da Silva struck again in the 62nd minute, and striker Paulo Josue added the fourth in the 76th. After Syahir’s goal, Da Silva completed his hattrick in stoppage time.
