Kim Swee praises his team’s character after thrilling win

NATIONAL youth coach Ong Kim Swee hailed his players’ intensity and performance in the 3-1 win over Myanmar in yesterday’s Group A match at Shah Alam Stadium.

He now believes his team are of championship material but they must remain level headed in the tournament.

N.Thanabalan’s brace and a goal by Safawi Rasid earned Malaysia the memorable win, but Kim Swee’s boys need at least a draw against Laos in their final group match tomorrow to top the group.

Both Myanmar and Malaysia have nine points but the former lead the group on goal difference. Myanmar, however, have completed their group matches.

“We played better today tactically where we managed to stop Myanmar in the opening 20 minutes before we found our rhythm and scored goals,” said Kim Swee yesterday.

“We beat a very strong Myanmar side today and this is a good sign.

“Thanabalan was fantastic today. He has not only a unique scoring instinct but is also a hard worker where he kept on running for the entire match.

“On paper, we have the potential to beat any team as long were play with discipline and commitment.

“So far, the players are showing good attitude and they are doing fine.”

Myanmar coach Gerd Zeise described his team’s performance as a disaster.

“Shameful performance by my team in front of the Myanmar fans here.

“I could already smell that something was wrong in training yesterday as they were not 100 per cent focus.

“I am very disappointed with my team for taking it easy in the first half... I think it was because we had already qualified for the semi-finals.

“Malaysia were a better team. I could see that their players really wanted it unlike my team,” said Zeise.

The moment of magic arrived in the 33th minute when Thanabalan deflected in a Matthew Davies shot off a Safawi’s cross from close range for the lead.

Two minutes later, Safawi extended Malaysia’s lead when he headed in from close range off a S. Kumaahran superb cross from the right.

Thanabalan put the result beyond doubt when he headed in Jafri Firdaus Chew’s cross from the left in the 82nd minute to take his personal tally to three goals.

Than Paing scored the consolation goal for Myanmar in the 86th minute.

In another group match, Laos earned their first win by overcoming Brunei 3-0 at UM Arena Stadium. Ajitpal Singh