Brave Young Tigers slip to defeats

Both Harimau Muda B and Harimau Muda C fell to defeats in their respective friendly matches despite putting up valiant efforts yesterday.

Coach Hassan Sazali’s fledglings set the tone for our Young Tigers as they failed to overcome their much more experienced counterparts; Pakistan U-23 at Wisma FAM.

The Green Shirts fielded three senior players and made the age difference between the two sides count against Harimau Muda C who were comprised of nine 19-year olds and two players below the age of 18 in their starting lineup.

Pakistan took the lead after the interval in the 46th minute through Mohamad Riaz’s long range effort that shocked custodian, Hazrul Hafiz. 

Badrul Amin vying for the ball against a Pakistani defender.

A determined Malaysian team however, was not to go down without a fight. Nippy striker Badrul Amin Rusalan was quick to pounce on a loose ball to cancel the visitors’ lead.

The equaliser only stood for four minutes as Pakistan's 26-year old striker Hassan Bashir rose highest to head Mansoor Khan’s corner into the net. Mohamad Riaz then completed his double in the 68th minute through a simple tap in after the home side failed to clear their lines.

Harimau Muda B’s superior ball possession on the other hand, did not pay dividends as they fell to a closely contested 1-0 loss to Fiji’s U-20 team at UiTM Stadium last night. A solitary goal by Antonio Tuivuna in the 46th minute resulting from a corner kick proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Malaysia showed plenty of heart to get back into the game throughout but was denied by the physically loftier visitors nicknamed Bula Boys. The hosts were also denied a late penalty shout as referee Wan Mohamad Tarmizi Wan Ibrahim waved away protests made.

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