Ahmad Hazwan’s night
If there was a man-of-the match award, newcomer Ahmad Hazman Bakri would have been the winner.
Ahmad Hazwan, earned his first senior cap when he came in as a substitute and notched a second-half hat-trick as Malaysia demolished Si Lanka 6-0 ia a international friendly at the Shah Alam Stadium, Saturday (28/4/12).
Playing in his second international match, Ahmad Hazwan did not disappoint Chief Coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal when he came in as a substitute for Safee Sali.
It was also a memorable night for winger Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor who struck a first half brace. Azamuddin Mohd Akil also got his name on the score-sheet with the sixth goal in the 73rd minute.
"I'm very happy to have scored a hat-trick on my debut as a substitute. But there is still a lot to learn as the hat-trick doesn't guarantee me a regular start," said Hazwan Bakri.
The win, which is their biggest since the 5-0 thrashing of Lesotho in September 2009, marks the end of Malaysia's seven-match winless run since last July against a new-look Sri Lanka, who are preparing for tournament in Palestine next month.
Wan Zack, who made his international debut against the Philippines in February, scored his first in the 25th minute when he beat Sri Lanka's off-side trap to latch on a pass from captain Safiq Rahim before tucking the ball home past an out of position keeper Sinnath Weearsinghe.
Two minutes later, Wan Zack scored his second from an apparent offside position but the flag stayed down. Sri Lanka players were furious but referee Suhaizi Shukri brushed off their protests.
Safee thought he had scored his first international goal of the year in the 29th minute but the linesman flagged off-side.
After the breather, the tiring Safee, was replaced by Hazwan Bakri in the 70th minute and a minute later, the 20-year-old scored his first international goal before adding his second and third in the 82nd and 90th minutes respectively.