Malaysia power past Singapore 8-0

Chennai
August 31st, 2007

Malaysia 8 Singapore 0

Though they hated the early morning start, Malaysia could only throw back the covers in the second half to over-power Singapore 8-0 and start their campaign in the Asia Cup on a bright note. Though the win was never in doubt but the team later on admitted they didn’t want any hiccups as today is their National Day. The margin should satisfy their fans back home.
The first half was rather mediocre and at times did resemble a college contest.
Zulkifli, their 2005 Junior World Cup star, gave them an early start in the 3rd minute converting a penalty corner. But after that Singapore dug in their heels and made their neighbours wait till the 22nd minute before Megat converted a penalty stroke.
A couple of minutes before the break, Ismail Abu gave his team a 3-0 lead.
In the second half, Malaysia showed more urgency, and helped by the fact that Singapore left huge gaps in their quest for a few goals, the Malaysians powered in five more. It could easily have been a score line with a dozen goals but the finishing of Malaysia would be a cause of concern to Sarjit Singh, their coach and former captain.
Malaysian team manager Tamil Selvan Ponniah admitted that playing an early morning match was tough but he was more concerned about the pitch calling it ‘slippery on the sides.’
Even the Singapore manager Farouk Marican said that the pitch was a cause for concern as they found that it was slippery and fast.

Score sheet:
Zulkifli Md. Rejab (3rd, PC) 1-0
Megat Azrafiq (22nd, PS) 2-0
Ismail Abu (33rd, FG) 3-0
Zulkifli Md. Rejab (46th, PC) 4-0
Azlon Misron (48th, FG) 5-0
Chua Boon Huat (67th, FG) 6-0
Azlon Misron (68th, FG) 7-0
Chua Boon Huat (69th, FG) 8-0
 

Go Top             Back