Red alert for Malaysia

Goalless draw with Singapore a worry ahead of Suzuki Cup

PETALING JAYA: All is not well ahead of Malaysia’s AFF Suzuki Cup campaign next month.

It looks like coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s ailing side may not even get past the group stages of the regional tournament, to be held from Nov 19-Dec 17.

Malaysia are in Group B with hosts Myanmar, Vietnam and a yet-to-be-named qualifier.

This observation is based on Malaysia’s lacklustre 0-0 draw against Singapore in a “A” international friendly at the National Stadium in Kallang last night.

It was all one-way traffic in the first-half and Malaysia can thank their lucky stars for managing to return home with a face-saving draw against the rampant Lions.

Malaysia fielded only two seniors – striker Mohd Amri Yahyah and midfielder Baddrol Bakhtiar – and gambled with a totally new backline combination of Rizal Ghazali, Nazirul Naim Che Hashim, Khairul Helmi and Shahrul Saad.

And they were lucky to survive a torrid opening 20 minutes as a combination of profligacy by the Singapore strikers and desperate defending by the Malaysians kept them in the game.

The Lions had at least a dozen attempts, but saw three shots hitting the woodwork.

An excellent reflex save by goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid further frustrated the Singaporeans.

Singapore were easily the better side and their strong attacking line-up – comprising Safuwan Baharuddin, Khairul Helmi, Faris Ramli and Gabriel Quak – kept the Malaysian defence busy throughout the game.

The Malaysians were constantly troubled by the pace and trickery of flankers Faris and Gabriel.

To be fair, Malaysia had a couple of chances, but forwards Amri and Ahmad Hazwan Bakri’s attempts were easily saved by Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny in the 33rd and 44th minutes.

It is obvious the national team lack a leader on the pitch as midfielders Irfan Fazail and Baddrol failed to provide the muscle in the engine room.

Kim Swee has one more friendly to try and whip up a decent side for the Suzuki Cup.

Malaysia, who lost 3-0 to Indonesia in a friendly in Solo last month, will take on Afghanistan at the Shah Alam Stadium on Oct 11.

— AP Full-blooded: Malaysia’s Nazirul Naim goes airborne from a challenge by Singapore’s Safuwan Baharudin during a friendly at the Singapore National Stadium yesterday. The match ended goalless.

In your face!: Singapore’s Faritz Hameed challenges Malaysia’s Safawi Rasid (left) for the ball in yesterday’s friendly which ended goalless. — Reuters