Flankers steal show from strikers in Malaysia’s flying start

SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian team can thank their wingers for the winning start in the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers.

In the match against the Philippines, two goals from Akhyar Rashid (fourth and 31st) and Faisal Halim (82nd) helped Malaysia romp to an emphatic 3-0 victory at the Shah Alam Stadium on Friday.

Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said he was happy with the three points but annoyed that the strikers performed miserably.

“We could have won by a bigger margin. Hadi Fayyadh could have scored two or three,” said Kim Swee.

“Maybe it wasn’t his day. Even his replacement, Nik Azli Alias, failed with the numerous chances that came his way.

“I hope the strikers will get it right against Laos.

“It’s a tough group and everything counts especially goal difference.”

Malaysia, who also have China for company in Group J, want to top the group to qualify for the championship Finals in Bangkok next year.

Akhyar hopes the goals will silence his critics who claimed he took it easy in a friendly against their Australian counterparts last week.

“For me, it spurred me to do well. I didn’t take things lightly because I was still adapting to the team and the critics have to understand that I’ve not had enough playing time in the Super League,” said Akhyar, who joined Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) this season.

“I’m glad we got our first three points. We dominated throughout the game and created so many chances.

“The win is a great morale booster and I hope we stay focused. I want to continue this goal- scoring momentum to ensure that we top the group.”

Faisal, who replaced Akhyar in the second half, showed why he is one of the hottest prospects in the country as he dazzled with his pace and trickery.

The 21-year-old Pahang winger said it feels good to score in front of the home crowd.

“The result was good but we certainly could do with more goals,” he added.