Malaysia take control against Timor-Leste
Posted Friday, June 03, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com
A brace from Ahmad Hazwan Bakri helped Malaysia to a commanding 3-0 win over Timor-Leste in the first leg of their 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying play-offs in Larkin, Johor Bahru, on Thursday.
As many as five Johor Darul Ta’zim players were named in coach Ong Kim Swee’s starting line-up, and the home team clearly had far too much firepower for their opponents.
The scoring was opened after 17 minutes when a failed clearance only managed to find Fazly Mazla, who sent in a cross that found Selangor forward Hazwan, who scored with a superb back heel.
Four minutes later, Hazwan was in the thick of it again, collecting a pass from Azrif Nasrulhaq and making the most of the space he was given to find the back of the net for a second time.
Hazwan could have had a hat-trick inside the first 30 minutes, but his first-time effort from a corner rattled off the crossbar.
Timor-Leste goalkeeper Ramos Ribeiro did well to deny two further shots at goal on either side of half-time, and the visitors finally showed some fight after the break, forcing Johor goalkeeper Izham Tarimizi into a couple of saves of his own.
Their two-goal cushion remained secure, however, and substitute Amri Yahyah would make absolutely sure of the victory four minutes from time as he beat the opposition defence and slotted home after receiving a pass from Hazwan.
The hosts are now in a very strong position to qualify for the third round of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup ahead of Monday’s second leg against Timor-Leste at the same venue.
- Tag:
- Malaysia
- Timor-Leste
Photos
More»Glam TV host Diletta Leotta begs Loris Karius to QUIT Newcastle
Thursday March 28 2024Fans stunned by Astrid Wett’s outfit
Thursday March 28 2024[PICTURE SPECIAL] England 2-2 Belgium
Wednesday March 27 2024
Your Say