PAROI: The national under-22 team lacked the pattern of play and creativity but despite the limitations, they overcame Brunei’s senior team 1-0 in a friendly match at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium today.
Malaysia only had four shots on target in the match with Syafiq Ahmad scoring for the country in the 11th minute. This is Syafiq’s fourth goal for the under-22 this year.
The 21-year-old found space between two Brunei defenders to receive a through ball, scoring past Brunei goalkeeper Wardun Yusof.
But there were not many chances in the first half as both teams were seen struggling with the humidity.
The host were, however, more organised in the back line with centre backs Adib Zainuddin and Dominic Tan along with wing backs Zulkhairi Zulkeply and Arif Fadzilah Abu Bakar forming a good understanding, making it hard for Brunei to find openings.
In the 36th minute, winger Zarulizwan Mazlan sent in a threatening square ball, from the left, into the Brunei box but teammate Danial Ashraf failed to get a touch from close range.
Two minutes later, Malaysian keeper Ahmad Syihan came to the rescue when he pushed a header by Brunei’s Hanif Abdul Hadi, from close range, over the bar.
Arif was unlucky in the 62nd minute as his glancing header off a corner-kick was parried to safety by Brunei keeper Wardun, who also denied substitute Jafri Firdaus Chew’s free kick in stoppage time.
Coach Frank Bernhardt made five changes to his team that beat Brunei 2-0 on Thursday with goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi, defender Zulkhairi, midfielder Danial Ashraf Abdullah and strikers Syafiq and Arif Anwar.