Just A Few Things: Malaysia Vs. Bhutan

Credits: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)

A Psychological Boost For Malaysia

It took a long while, but finally Malaysia end their winless run with a thumping 7-0 victory over hapless Bhutan. After their brave display against Lebanon ended in heartbreaking fashion, they need something to really lift them upwards. Granted, it’s against Bhutan, but this could provide valuable psychological gain for the Harimau Malaya in games to come. This is how they should beat the perceived smaller teams. Although given the circumstances (Especially postponing league matches for this), we should not celebrate too much.

Slow Build-Up Pays Off

There was a tense opening few minutes when Malaysia opted to play passively by playing sideways and backwards passing despite facing a team with Bhutan’s stature. A quick goal within the first five minutes would definitely ease nerves quickly. But Malaysia’s patience build-up finally got their reward after 10 minutes and the floodgates opened wide. But they shouldn’t do this often when facing much tougher opponents as it would invite unnecessary pressure.

Zaquan Adha’s New Role(s)

Zaquan Adha may have just made KL head coach Fabio Magrao take more notice of him after encouraging performances in the last two games. After being praised for his leadership role as captain versus Lebanon, he went and scored four goals past Bhutan keeper Kinzang Gyeltshen. His performance would indicate that not only he should be considered for captaincy for both club and country but Malaysia may also found a new centre-forward to rely on.

Akram’s Play Style Something To Consider

Using his experience, Mahali Jasuli took the holding midfield role to help out Irfan Zakaria & Shahrul Saad to keep composure when defending. What this does was allowing Akram Mahinan to roam forward as a box-to-box midfielder where his runs caused chaos. One of them even lead to one of Zaquan’s four goals after causing uncertain defending by Bhutan. Akram’s role tonight should be something to consider for Kedah. Strange that he isn’t used like this often, but considering who is the head coach of the national team, maybe that’s why he played the way he did.

How Did The Subs Do?

Kogileswaran Raj was given a huge chance coming on for the last 28 minutes. While his hold-up play was great, his ability to finish still needs improvement after spurning two decent chances. This is something that can make Dollah reluctant to start him in the Pahang side after Francis Forkey Doe’s injury.

Syafiq Ahmad did what he can do to help the attack by providing width and deliveries into the box as he even got on the scoresheet thanks to fellow sub, Syazwan Andik’s corner. Shahrel Fikri showed glimpses of reading the game well by making great passes towards the closest player to him and decent runs on the left-wing to receive the ball. Nor Hakim Hassan should’ve got a goal himself had he not miskicked but other than that nothing much while Syahmi Safari was bought on to shore up the defence.