Malaysian junior footballers go on scoring spree in HK meet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Under-15 football team were in a goal-scoring mood when they netted 11 goals in three games at the Jockey Club International Youth Cup in Hong Kong.

In their first match against Singapore on Friday, Malaysia were leading 1-0 when it was abandoned due to heavy rain.

On Sunday, the boys thrashed Myanmar 6-1 and the next day they outclassed Hong Kong 4-0.

Coach P. Maniam had said before they left for Hong Kong that he just wanted his boys to enjoy the game and they did more than that.

“I am very impressed. They certainly enjoyed their matches. They also followed instructions to a T,” said Maniam.

“To enjoy football, you must have good ball possession, and they did just that. We attacked well and our pressing game was pretty good.

“However, we need to work on our defending. The players must keep their attacking and defending shape intact. I want them to improve on their individual skills too,” added the former Selangor coach.

Maniam revealed that he is worried about the reserves.

“They are currently not on par with the first 11. That is something I want to work on and I’m sure it will get better with more matches.

“I’ll make sure these players get adequate playing time for them to improve.”

The scoreline indicated that Malaysia were a class above the other teams, but Maniam felt that some of the teams sent their second stringers.

“Myanmar, for example, did not have the size and strength in their squad. Our boys were much bigger.

“Anyway, this tournament is a good exposure for our players but the upcoming friendlies against Aspire Academy in Qatar would be the real test.

“Their players are technically good. We also hope to play against Japan, South Korea and even Thailand because matches against them would give us a better idea on how to improve.”

The Hong Kong meet is part of the team’s preparations for the AFF Under-15 tournament in June and also the AFC Under-16 qualifiers in September.