MALAYSIA failed to translate their first half dominance into goals as Dollah Salleh’s side lost 2-0 to Indonesia at Gelora Delta Sidoarjo Stadium in Surabaya yesterday.
Muslim Ahmad made a horrendous error by deflecting a cross from the left into his own net in the 64th minute. The centre-back could have done better as no Indonesian player was in his path when he made the mistake in his first start for the team in three years.
Poor defending saw Samsul Arif Munif heading home Indonesia’s second goal two minutes from time.
The defeat does not augur well for Dollah, whose team are now without a win under his guidance in two matches, ahead of the AFF Cup in November.
Shukor Adan returned to the team after six years by regaining his captain’s armband with goalkeeper Azizon Kadir, who was found guilty of match-fixing two years ago, and Azmi Muslim handed their first starts after a long absence.
Azizon last played international football in the 2007 Asian Cup, where he conceded 12 goals in three matches, while it was Azmi’s first taste of international football since 2012. Police defender Afif Amiruddin and midfielder Ahmed Ezrie Shafizie Sazali were also handed their first caps.
Veteran Indra Putra Mahayuddin came on as a 68th minute substitute in his first appearance for the team in five years.
Winger Azamuddin Akil missed a sitter from close range in the fourth minute before Azmi directed his free kick over the Indonesian crossbar in the 23rd minute. Ezrie could have scored his first goal on his debut had he connected a loose ball two minutes before half-time.
Malaysia will take on Cambodia at Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday. By Ajitpal Singh