Malaysia, finalists the last time around, enjoyed a winning start in this year’s AFF Under-19 Championship here, after defeating Cambodia 2-0 at the Joko Samudro Stadium this evening.
The Malaysians, who lost to Thailand in the final last year, had to work overtime to find their way past their spirited opponents and eventually broke through once in each half to pick up full points in this Group B encounter. The Malaysian goals came from Shivan Pillay Asokan and Muhammad Akhyar.
In the first half today, there was really little goal-mouth action. Both sides worked their way up but without any success. Finally, in the 39th minute, Malaysia were awarded a freekick at the top of the box when Cambodian defender Tes Sambath brought down Nik Akif Syahiran. The freekick from Nik Akif slammed into the post and bounced back into play. Shivan Pillay Asokan jumped in and headed Malaysia ahead.
Two minutes before the break, skipper Muhammad Syaiful’s cracker from the right came off the post but was quickly snatched up by keeper Hul Kimhuy.
The two sides continued to battle on with Malaysia doing most of the attacking and the tight Cambodian defence, with centreback Soeuth Nawa and keeper Hul Kimhuy, combining well to keep their goal intact.
