MALAYSIA recorded their first win under coach Dollah Salleh when the former AFF Cup champions defeated Cambodia 4-1 at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.
However, Dollah must not rest on his laurels as the win over Cambodia was nothing to shout about as the team are not among the best in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, it was Cambodia’s first international since the 1-0 defeat to Singapore last November.
Dollah’s side dominated the first half and were 2-0 after 15 minutes with Joseph Kalang Tie scoring his first international goal in his third appearance for the national team in the eighth minute.
The Sarawak-born stole the ball from Cambodia defender Moul Daravron before slotting home past goalkeeper Sou Yaty. Daravron then scored an own goal in the 15th minute.
Striker Ahmad Fakri Saarani could have extended Malaysia’s lead in the 25th and 35th minute but he failed to hit the target on both occasions.
Joseph scored his second and a third for Malaysia when he chipped the ball over keeper Yaty after a latching onto a pass from Bobby Gonzales in the 65th minute. Baddrol Bakhtiar added a fourth in the 81st minute.
Cambodia had their moments and replied through Sok Chanrasmey in the 80th minute.
“The most important thing today (yesterday) is that I finally earned my first win as coach. Of course it is only against Cambodia but more will come. We must now make ourselves better in upcoming matches,” said Dollah in Shah Alam yesterday.
Dollah fielded a different side that lost 2-0 to Indonesia on Sept 14 in Surabaya with keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Razman Roslan, Hafiz Kamal, Manaf Mamat, Joseph and Ronny Harun making their first starts under the former international.
Midfielder and captain Safiq Rahim, Fakri, S. Kunanlan and Indra Putra Mahayuddin, who all started yesterday, were substitutes in earlier matches. It was also the first time Safiq captained the team this year.
Malaysia’s next friendly ahead of the AFF Cup is against Jordan in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 11.