MALAYSIA’S hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the AFF Futsal Championships suffered a severe blow following the 6-1 thrashing by former champions Indonesia in a Group A match at Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam yesterday.
Bambang Bayu Saptaji netted a brace in the third and 35th minutes while Andri Kustiawan (eighth), Jaelani Ladjanibi (24th) and Ardy Dwi Suwardy (25th) completed Indonesia’s biggest ever win over Malaysia.
Mohd Khairul Effendy Mohd Badrin scored Malaysia’s goal in the 10th minute.
“We made a lot of mistakes although we controlled the game. My players lost focus and could not handle the pressure,” said Malaysia coach Maizal Hairi Marzuki.
“However, I am optimistic we can make the semi-finals.
“We need to score a lot of goals against Brunei (today) and also win the matches against Timor Leste and Australia.”
In another Group A match, Timor Leste edged Brunei 2-0. Vietnam thrashed Myanmar 6-1 while
Laos held the Philippines 4-4 in Group B.
Today — Group A: Timor Leste v Australia (9.30am), Brunei v Malaysia (5pm); Group B: Philippines v Thailand (12pm), Laos v Myanmar (2.30pm).