A FATIGUED national Under-21 side bowed out in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy after a 3-0 defeat to Myanmar’s Under-19 team in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.
Malaysia never recovered after going a goal behind in the second minute and entered the break 3-0 down.
It was a case of damage limitation in the second half with coach Razip Ismail attributing his players’ performance to a hectic schedule which saw Malaysia play six matches in 13 days.
Myanmar played one game less in the same period and also had an extra day’s rest before the semi-finals.
“I’m disappointed that we were not able to give our best but the players were tired,” said Razip when contacted yesterday.
“Once we conceded such an early goal, it became very difficult for us. Myanmar are a very good side and it showed as they had the fresher legs.”
Malaysia improved on their last outing in the tournament in 2012 when the Under-21 side failed to make the semi-finals.
The players now return home to prepare for Young Tigers B’s S-League match against Woodlands Wellington on Aug 30.