A nervy come back

A big relief for the whole nation as Harimau Malaya staged a rare come back in a raining Asian Cup qualifying clash against Yemen in Shah Alam.

We used to conceeding soft goals, trailing and struggled to get a firm performance, but tonight the team managed to overcame the deficit and killed the game off.

A narrow 2-1 victory put Malaysia back into the race for that assuming second spot after Qatar in this group.

Malaysia looked physicaly better towards the final 20 minutes as datuk K Rajagobal's men pilling constant preasure from either flanks. Wan Zack Haikal and Azamuddin Akil seems enjoying the wet pitch, tormenting the Yemeni's full backs with their trickery twist and turning.

Mahali Jasuli sloppy defending earlier gave away the opening goal of the game for the visitor. But he amended his mistake by venturing forward everytime Wan Zack was in possesion. And he was part of the build up that led to the equaliser before half time.

Second Half:

I thought that we were improved technically after the break, Safiq Rahim sprayed the ball around quicker this time. The team involved with series of one touch football, and it worked well against the tiring visitors.

There were couple of glorious opportunity squandered by Nurshahrul in particular. A well taken header by substitutes Khyril Muhymeen killed the game off. And the Kedah forward proved me wrong this time by scoring the match winner. A lower division striker done the job at international level? I am sure there will be more debate on this afterwards.

Not a complicated job for the back four today, they were magnificently protected by the midfielders. Khairul Fahmi rarely tested in goal. A determined Badhri Radzi saw him earned his first yellow card at international level. Ashari Shamsudin's left footed cross was the only impact he made this evening.

I can't choose any obvious man of the match toninght. It could be Safiq, or Wan Zack, or Azamuddin. This is due to their overall team effort, every player look after one and another. It was not a classy performance by Malaysia, but we managed to get away with great courage. A first win after four straight defeats came on the right time and at the right place. Three points secured, thats all matters.

congrates Harimau Malaya!