LUQMAN STARS IN ROUT OF TAJIKISTAN
Everyone worked hard for the win, says Teong Kim
LUQMAN Hakim Shamsudin was Malaysia’s hero as his four goals helped Lim Teong Kim’s side to record a 6-2 win over Tajikistan in yesterday’s AFC Under-16 Group A match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 16-year-old scored in the 30th, 42nd, 46th and 67th minutes while Najmudin Akmal (32nd) and Alif Mutalib (76th) netted a goal each.
Tajikistan replied through Sharifbek Rahmatov (71st) and Isroil Kholov (90th).
However, the match was marred by a red card to Malaysian goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel for a rough challenge on Tajikistan striker Soirov Rustam in the 87th minute.
Teong Kim said although Luqman netted four goals, credit should also be given to the others for working hard.
“Luqman did a great job by scoring four.
“However, other players also gave their 100 per cent throughout the match.
“Everyone worked hard for the win. It is a team effort,” said Teong Kim yesterday.
Malaysia will play Asean champions Thailand on Sunday, followed by two-time winners Japan on Wednesday.
On Sikh’s red card, Teong Kim said: “They are still ‘kids’. He (Sikh) played very well and made only one blunder. This is part of a learning process.
“We have able replacements for Sikh,” he added.
Tajikistan coach Rakhimov Zaynidin admitted that he did not expect his team to lose badly.
“I am surprised with the margin of defeat.
“My defenders did not play to their abilities.
“We also did not expect Luqman to be so sharp in attack for Malaysia.
“However, we still have two more matches to bounce back, and we will work towards improving our game,” said Zaynidin, whose side will take on Japan on Sunday.