KUALA LUMPUR: Gambian forward Mohamadou Sumareh became the first foreign-born naturalised player to win a cap for Malaysia in Friday's 4-1 win over Sri Lanka in Colombo — and he celebrated his debut with a brace.
Sumareh came on in the 46th minute and his introduction added the much-needed depth in attack for Tan Cheng Hoe's side after they had gone behind through Asela Madushan's goal for the home team in the 29th minute.
Striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha equalised in his first appearance for Malaysia in two years by reacting first following a blunder by Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sujan Perera in the 65th minute
Adam Nor Azlin then handed Malaysia the lead with a header off a Syazwan Andik corner kick 11 minutes later.
It was then Sumareh's turn to make a mark.
His cross deflected off a Sri Lanka defender past his own goalkeeper for Malaysia's third in the 85th minute.
The 27-year-old then finished off a pass from Akhyar Rashid to make it 4-1 for Malaysia in the second minute of stoppage time.
The win was Malaysia's eighth over Sri Lanka since 1972.