# Substitutes Nor Azam and Thanabalan win match for Malaysia
There is depth on the bench with plenty of positives as Malaysia staged a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Singapore in a Group A match in the 29th Sea Games at the Shah Alam Stadium on Wednesday.
The win was Malaysia’s second in as many matches as the hosts stayed on course for a semi-final berth from the group with six points – the same as leaders Myanmar who are ahead with better goal difference.
Myanmar, 2-0 winners over Singapore in the first match, defeated Laos 3-1 at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam on Wednesday. Malaysia defeated Brunei 2-1 in their first match.
National Under-23 head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee was pleased with the way his players staged a remarkable comeback after conceding a first half goal but was quick to remind that “Malaysia need to find the rhythm” from the start to win matches.
Kim Swee made six changes to the team that beat Brunei. Among those rested was goalkeeper Ifwat Chek Kassim. The Kedah keeper made way for Haziq Nadzli who plays for Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim.
Haziq, however, had to pick up the ball from inside his net in the 37th minute – beaten by Singapore’s Amiruldin Nodin who pounced on a loose ball and let fly a stinger from outside the box. Singapore 1-0.
Despite being in control of the proceedings in the first half the Malaysians were unable to breach the Singapore backline. However all that changed after the break when Nor Azam Abdul Azih and N. Thanabalan replaced Syahmi Safari and Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik respectively.
And in a seven-minute spell which started in the 67th minute Singapore crumbled. Goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad was first beaten by Nor Azam who was on target from the top of the box with an assist by Safawi Rasid.
The Ultras Malaya were still celebrating with patriotic songs in the stands when Malaysia struck again – this time it was Thanabalan’s turn to get his name into the scoresheet.
Thanabalan was at the right place at the right time to fire home a deflected shot off a Singapore defender on 73 minutes. It turned out to be the winner.
Singapore coach Richard Tardy picked Nor Azam as the player who changed the game for Malaysia.
Malaysia next play Myanmar on Monday and complete their group fixtures on Aug 23 with a match against Laos. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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