NORSHAHRUL HUNGRY FOR MORE
Norshahrul wants to relive 2010 memory in AFF Cup
NATIONAL striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha is hungry for more goals after netting in Malaysia’s 1-0 win over Cambodia in Thursday’s AFF Cup match in Phnom Penh.
Norshahrul, a member of Malaysia’s 2010 winning team, made his fifth AFF Cup appearance memorable with a superb header in the first half to take his overall tally in the competition since making his debut eight years ago to five goals.
Malaysia will host Laos in their second Group A match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Monday. A win will put Malaysia on the right path for a semi-final spot.
Norshahrul, also known as Mat Yo, is in the mood to lead Malaysia to glory and he believes things will get better against Laos after a nervy start on Thursday.
“First of all, I would like to thank the coach (Tan Cheng Hoe) for selecting me for the AFF Cup. Of course, I want to score more goals, but it is not my top priority.
“It does not matter whether I score as long we win matches. I believe we will put up a better show against Laos,” said Norshahrul.
Coach Cheng Hoe said it is never easy in opening matches.
“We missed a lot of chances today (yesterday). It does not matter as we took three points.
“It was also not easy playing on the synthetic surface (at the National Olympic Stadium). Grass (in Bukit Jalil) should favour our style of play,” said Cheng Hoe.
Cambodia coach Felix Dalmas noted that his team were unfortunate not to collect points.
“We just could not score from the chances we had. I have to analyse the videos and come up with solutions for our next match against Myanmar,” he said.