Malaysia, Indonesia off to flying starts in AFC U-19 Qualifiers
Paju: Malaysia began their AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Qualifiers Group F campaign on a high note, beating Timor-Leste 3-1, while Indonesia claimed an opening triumph as well with a 5-0 triumph over Brunei Darussalam at the Paju Stadium in Korea Republic on Tuesday.
After a scoreless first half which saw both teams' goalkeepers excelling, Malaysia returned to the pitch after the break with renewed vigour, as Muhammad Hadi Fayyadh (pictured above, right) broke the deadlock with an accurate header in the 53rd minute.
Nik Akif Syahiran (pictured above, No 8), who set up the first goal, doubled Malaysia's lead with a powerful volley in the 67th minute, before substitute Muhammad Zhafir Yusof brought the scoreline to 3-0 in the 77th minute.
Timor-Leste got a consolation goal in the final minute with a penalty converted by Filomeno Junior Da Costa.
Bojan Hodak: Malaysia Head Coach
“Timor-Leste's aggressiveness in the first half affected us, but in the second half, we adapted to the situation, and fortunately we earned three points. I am very pleased with the winning start."
Kim Shin-whan: Timor-Leste Head Coach
"The defeat resulted from my tactical decision. The players were decent in the first half, but after conceding the first goal in the second half, the teamwork collapsed. I acknowledge our defeat, and will do our best to get the best result possible."
Indonesia's offensive display paid off, as they earned all three points in their first game against Brunei.
It didn't take long for Indonesia to get on the scoresheet, as Muhammad Rafli Mursalim put them ahead with a fine header in the 13th minute.
In the 44th minute, Egy Maulana Vikri made an attempt which was denied by Brunei goalkeeper Abd Mutalip Awg, but Hariz Herman’s own goal gave Indonesia a two-goal lead going into the break.
Indonesia’s persistent attempts to widen the gap continued in the second half.
Muhammad Iqbal scored with a delicate shot in 50th minute, before Egy Maulana Vikri and substitute Saddil Ramdani found the back of the net in the 55th and 60th minutes respectively.
Brunei tried to find openings, but all their chances were denied by the Indonesian defence.
Indra Syafri: Indonesia Head Coach
"This was our opener in the qualifier, so I had expected that many variables would be involved in the match. Fortunately, we overcame all the difficulties against Brunei, and our defence was well organised."
Takao Fujiwara: Brunei Darussalam Head Coach
"We recognised the match against Indonesia would be a tough challenge. In the first half my players did their best to keep the stalemate, but failed. The next game will be more challenging, but we will keep fighting to reach our goal."
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com
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