HARIMAU MALAYA DEDICATE BIG WIN OVER BHUTAN TO TMJ
Harimau Malaya dedicate first win in 16 months to TMJ
KUALA LUMPUR: The national football team have dedicated their 7-0 win over Bhutan to the outgoing Football Association of Malaysia ( FAM) president Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
“This is for you, Tuanku president,” the team said.
The comprehensive win at the National Stadium on Sunday was certainly special for Tunku Ismail as it was his first win, and also the last, since helming the FAM in March last year.
“The win is a gift for Tuanku president. This is for him as he has been giving his undivided support to the national team. We’re happy to win it for him,” said head coach Tan Cheng Hoe.
Captain Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak led by example as he netted four times for Malaysia to bulldoze the 188th- ranked Bhutan for the nation’s first win in 16 months since beating Cambodia 3-2 in the AFF Suzuki Cup in November 2016.
Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor, Irfan Zakaria and Syafiq Ahmad were the other scorers as Malaysia led 5-0 at half time.
Cheng Hoe hailed his team’s superb all-round performance, saying that the players have shown the true spirit of Harimau Malaya.
“Credit to all the players as well as coaches,” said Cheng Hoe.
“With hunger and desire to end our 12-match winless run, the players did not take their feet off the pedal throughout the 90 minutes.
“What made the difference is that the players believed in themselves, they played as a team, and of course the most important thing is they scored goals.
“You have seen a truly Harimau Malaya performance. This is the kind of spirit we need to maintain in the future. Every time the team go onto the pitch, they must show their eagerness to win, regardless of what match.”
Cheng Hoe is convinced that he made the right decision to test out as many players as he can during the international break.
Earlier, Malaysia drew 2- 2 with Mongolia ( friendly) and went down fighting 2-1 to the more illustrious Lebanon (Asian Cup qualifier).