Kim Swee’s boys beat Mongolia 2-0 to keep U-23 AFC Cup hopes alive
BANGKOK: Malaysia beat 10man Mongolia 2-0 in their Group H Qualifier of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Championship to keep their hopes of earning a ticket to the final in China next year, very much alive.
Two second-half goals at the Supachalasai National Stadium saw National head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s boys remain in the hunt for a spot in the final, provided results in 10 other groups favour them.
“I made five changes to inject new blood into the squad. The changes worked in our favour and their creativity helped in the win,” Kim Swee told reporters here after the match.
After a scoreless first half, chief striker N. Thanabalan struck the opening goal for Malaysia in the 51st minute while Mohammad Syazwan ensured all three points with another goal in the 85th minute.
Mongolia who had lost 0-7 to Indonesia showed an improved performance yesterday but the sacking of Uuganbat Bat Erdene in the 56th minute crippled their attempts to stage a fightback.
According to Kim Swee, Malaysia’s chances of qualifying for the final in China next year would very much depend on the outcome of the match between Thailand and Indonesia.
Thailand will earn an automatic qualification as Group H winner if they beat Indonesia, and Malaysia’s chances of qualifying as the best five second placed teams in the competition will remain bright.
The winners of 10 groups, plus the best placed five runner-up teams make up 15 teams that qualify for the final in China next year while the 16th team will be the host country. - Bernama