AFF SUZUKI CUP: Rajagobal's men turn on the power in second half
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| Safee Sali weaves past Laos defenders in their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B match at the National Stadium yesterday. Malaysia won 4-1. Pic by Fariz Iswadi Ismail |
MALAYSIA'S AFF Suzuki Cup fate is in their own hands as they woke up in the second half to send a plucky Laos packing 4-1 in their Group B clash at the National Stadium last night.
Malaysia, after a bright start, lost their way after taking the lead in the 15th minute as Laos pulled themselves back into the tie.
A second half blitz, however, means Malaysia will advance to the last four if they beat Indonesia in their final group match on Saturday.
National coach K. Rajagobal, as promised, made four changes to his line-up, opting for goalkeeper Farizal Marlias instead of Khairul Fahmi Che Mat while right-back Mahalli Jasuli stood-in for Bunyamin Umar.
Defensive midfielder Amar Rohidan did not make the final-18 and taking over was Shakir Shaari. Young Tigers winger Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor earned his first start in the tournament, replacing Khyril Muhymeen Zambri.
Laos, though well-organised, were prone to mistakes and they were almost punished in the 10th minute by Safee Sali when the striker picked up a wayward pass but his shot from inside the penalty box sailed wide.
Two minutes later, S. Kunanlan controlled the ball with his chest to evade a challenge from Kovanh Namthavixay before his low cross was met by Safee but the Pelita Jaya player shot straight to goalkeeper Sengphachan Bounthisanh.
Malaysia's persistence was, however, rewarded in the 15th minute when Norshahrul Idlan Talaha was fouled outside the box.
Captain Safiq Rahim stepped-up and slammed a spectacular effort into the top corner of the Laos goal mouth for the lead. It was also his first goal in the AFF Cup since his debut in the 2008 edition.
Unfortunately, Malaysia spurned several chances after that and Laos made them pay when, against the run of play, they equalised in the 39th minute.
Khonesavanh Sihavong was sent through and the winger's shot deflected off centre-back Aidil Zafuan Radzak and over keeper Farizal to silence the Malaysian fans.
The second half -- at the start at least -- saw Malaysia again wasteful in front of goal as chance after chance was spurned.
To their credit, Malaysia continued pressing and in the 67th minute, Safee atoned for his numerous earlier misses by finding the back of the net.
A quick break on the left saw Wan Zack Haikal making most of the space as Laos defenders scrambled to get into position, and his square pass was met by Safee, who in turn lopped the ball over the keeper to become Malaysia's all-time top-scorer in the AFF Cup with eight goals.
In the 77th, Wan Zack Haikal scored his third international goal with a free header, off a cross from S. Kunanlan.
Khyril Muhymeen Zambri added the fourth just two minutes after he replaced Safee in the 79th minute with a fine solo effort.
The fight was out of Laos but Malaysia will have to raise their game against Indonesia on Saturday if they want to make the semis.
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