Malaysia bounced back from their 10-0 defeat against UAE with a spirited display against Saudi Arabia, despite eventually losing the game 2-1.
Interim head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee only had a few days to prepare the squad and motivate them to perform on home soil, and within the first five minutes of the game, it was evident that they were looking to keep it tight at the back.
But Malaysia eventually took the lead in the second half, against the run of play, with a terrific combination of play from Amri Yahya and Wan Zack Haikal, allowed Safiq Rahim to slot home from close range.
But the away side responded merely three minutes later as M. Ibrahim found the back of the net to restore parity. Malaysia’s joy was shortlived as well, as Saudi ultimately seized the lead on the 76th minute – Jabir Al Jassam scoring with an emphatic header to make it 2-1.
Malaysia continued to push on the offensive, though the game took a wild turn late on in the game, as a large section of the Malaysian fans began to light flares and firecrackers on the stands.
Match between #Malaysia and Saudi Arabia abandoned after flares were thrown on the pitch with KSA leading 2-1. pic.twitter.com/AAaEUH30LX
— ST Sports Desk (@STsportsdesk) September 8, 2015
After deliberating for over 40 minutes, the match commisioner officially decided to abandon the game, with both teams refusing to come out for the second half. However, the outcome of the match has not been decided, with FIFA set to review the match commisioner’s report, before making any decisions.
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