A good omen

Malaysia’s quest for 111 golds at the KL SEA Games got off on the right foot. First, Malaysia scored a thumping 73-30 win over Thailand in netball’s round-robin competition. . Then, Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s football side edged Brunei 2-1 in a Group A clash. S

MALAYSIA were made to sweat by minnows Brunei in the men’s football opening Group A match before grinding out a narrow 2-1 win.

Centreback Adam Nor Azlin saved the blushes for the hosts by nodding home the winner in the 61st minute at the Shah Alam Stadium last night.

Earlier, striker Safawi Rasid had given Malaysia a dream start with the opener in the fourth minute. But striker Mohamed Zulkhairy Hady Razali managed to equalise for Brunei in the 12th minute.

Malaysia coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee deployed his usual 3-4-3 formation and they started off the match well with rightback Matthew Davies whipping in crosses into the Brunei box.

And it was Matthew’s cross which resulted in Safawi whipping home a volley for Malaysia to take the lead.

Buoyed by the fourth-minute goal, Malaysia pressed forward carelessly. Brunei took advantage of the spaces left by Malaysia to launch fast counter attacks.

It did not take Brunei long to find the equaliser. Zulkhairy sprinted past the Malaysian defenders’ offside trap to slot the ball past goalkeeper Mohd Ifwat Che Kassim.

Stung by the equaliser, Malaysia doubled their efforts to get back in front.

But Brunei held firm and Malaysia’s own profligacy saw the first half end with a 1-1 scoreline.

It was the same script in the second half. Malaysia again dominated play but struggled to make a breakthrough.

Luckily for Malaysia, defender Adam rose the highest to head in Safawi’s corner kick for goal No. 2.

With the lead restored, Malaysia tightened their control of the game. The frustrated Bruneians then resort-

ed to committing fouls and cynical tackles.

But the Malaysians kept their cool to collect three points. Kim Swee’s men will next take on Singapore at the Shah Alam Stadium tomorrow.

– GLENN GUAN / The Star Early advantage: Safawi Rasid (left) celebrates with Jafri Firdaus Chew after scoring Malaysia’s first goal against Brunei in their opening Group A match of the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. Malaysia won 2-1.

That’s mine: Malaysia’s Jafri Firdaus Chew (second left) trying to get past the Brunei players in the Group A opener at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. Bottom: Muhamad Nor Azam Abdullah (left) vying for the ball with Brunei’s Awang Mohd Aman Awang...