Fresh legs do the trick in win over Singapore, says Bojan

PETALING JAYA: National Under19 coach Bojan Hodak’s game plan was spot on as Malaysia whipped Singapore 3-1 in the Asean Football Federation’s ( AFF) Under- 19 Championship in Myanmar.

The Croatian made seven changes to the line-up at the Aung San Stadium in Yangon yesterday following the 4-1 win over Laos in their opening Group A match on Monday.

“It was tough playing two games in three days. It was very hot too, having to play at 3pm. So, I rotated the players and made seven changes. Fresh legs did the trick as we were more energetic than Singapore in the second half,” said Hodak.

Malaysia turned on the heat after the breather with goals from Zafuan Azeman (58th), Ammar Akhmall Alias (69th) and Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak (( 89th). Singapore replied through Katz Saul Ellison in the 90th minute.

Malaysia lead the six-team group with six points. They face fifthplaced Timor Leste tomorrow.

Malaysia, under German coach Frank Bernhardt, failed to reach the semi-finals last year after shock losses to Timor Leste (3-2) and hosts Vietnam (3-1). Malaysia only managed to beat the Philippines (5-0) and Singapore (2-1). Australia emerged champions when they thrashed Thailand 5-1 in the final.

Malaysia’s other remaining matches in Yangon are against Cambodia (Sunday) and Thailand (Tuesday).

Group B consists of Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Malaysia are using the tournament to prepare for the AFC Under19 Championship qualifiers in South Korea from Oct 31-Nov 8.