Don’t call him a quack
It’s a matter of time before Gambiaborn Sumareh breaks his duck
PETALING JAYA: Gambia-born striker Mohamadou Sumareh is not perturbed although he has yet to break his duck in the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Pahang flanker has been the livewire of the Harimau Malaya with his dribbling skills and pace on the right flank. His best attempt came in the 3-0 win over Myanmar in the final Group A match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
The 24-year-old’s acrobatic effort hit the crossbar and the rebound was turned in by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha for the opening goal before Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak claimed a brace for the win.
Veteran striker Norshahrul has fired four goals while Zaquan has three goals under his belt.
“I’m more than happy that we are in the semi-finals ... it doesn’t matter if I score or my teammates score – if I can contribute with assists, I’ll be happy.
“It’s not about me ... the team comes first if I score – it’s alhamdulillah.
“Maybe I will be lucky in the next game,” said Sumareh.
“I’m happy with my performance, I get good feedbacks from the coach and fans. I’m regaining my fitness and I’m slowly getting into my game and I believe I can give more.
“The semi-final will be harder, it will be difficult if we’re not disciplined enough. We need to give 120% in every game from now on.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia coach Tan Cheng Hoe said that Sumareh will get better as he adapts more to his teammates.
Commenting on the semi-finals, Cheng Hoe said that his charges will have to step up.
“Sumareh made a lasting impression and also adapted to the adjustments that were made in attack but I believe he can do better.
“We play as a team and it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. Players like Safawi (Rasid) and Akhyar (Rashid) have been working hard although they’ve not scored. Football is a team sport and everyone needs to work hard.
“The team showed their true character against Myanmar, but I feel we can do better. The players have been improving after every match but there are still some aspects we need to work on.
“It’s important that we maintain our impressive playing style and continue our momentum in the semi-finals.”