Under-18 boys off to roaring start in AFF
BOJAN Hodak got off to a positive start in his first international game as a coach when his national youth team hammered Laos 4-1 in their opening AFF Under-18 Championship Group A match in Yangon yesterday.
Johor striker Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak and Kedah winger Akhyar Rashid were the toasts with a brace each for Hodak’s side.
Hadi netted in the 28th and 90th minutes while Akhyar scored in the 45th and 60th minutes.
Hodak believes the win will set a positive tone for his team in the tournament.
“Tactically, we kept our shape and dominated the entire match.
“We created chances, but our finishing wasn’t the best today,” Hodak told Timesport yesterday.
“I think it was good that we played friendlies against Super League and Premier League teams before the tournament as the boys were composed in the match.
“Today, my boys were winning challenges and also created space whenever on the ball.
“I played the 4-2-3-1 formation with Hadi upfront, while Akhyar and Awang Faiz Hazziq were on the left and right flanks respectively.
“Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat also did well by creating opportunities from his central midfield position.
In another Group A match, last year’s runners-up Thailand defeated Timor Leste.
Malaysia will continue their campaign by taking on Singapore tomorrow. Ajitpal Singh