A runner-up place was adequate as Malaysia ended their Commonwealth Futsal Championship in New Zealand behind Australia, losing by a single goal.
Both teams went to the final having collected 6 points each, but Australian Wade Gievenali’s winner in the 32nd minute decided the tie.
Australia top the group after collecting maximum points from three wins, followed by Malaysia – 6 points, New Zealand – 3 points and Vanuatu – 0 points in the four nation tournament played in a league format.
Prior to that, the national squad had beaten Vanuatu 7-3 and New Zealand 5-2.
Two of Malaysia’s players, Saiful Aula Ahmad and Amar Ashraf Abu Bakar shared the Golden Boot as both finished the championship with three goals each.
According to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) official website, this championship serves as practice for the upcoming Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand from Oct 8-16.
Malaysia, who is currently ranked 66 in the world, is in Group A with defending champion Thailand, Timor Leste, Brunei and Singapore. Group B, meanwhile, consists of Australia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines.
Photo credits: themalaysianinsider.com
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