Just A Few Things: Malaysia vs. Fiji

Credits: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)

Encouraging Signs, But Still Work To Be Done

It’s a narrow win, but a win nevertheless. Malaysia kept possession well and utilized it the best they could when going forward. Some of were looking to take advantage of spaces left open by Fiji players. Most of them were exploited on the wings by Syazwan Zainon and Safawi Rasid, both of whom exerted a good amount of tenacity.

After all, it was Syazwan Zainon who laid the ball for Syafiq Ahmad to score Malaysia’s only goal following a neat exchange of passes started by Nazmi Faiz who had the vision to find that the left-sided players had some space they can use. Those quick, precise and/or on-touch passes caused headaches to the Fiji defence and they often find themselves on the backfoot. Even Malaysia did quite well to get out of tight situations, especially within in their own half.

But Malaysia’s flow and rhythm of the game seemed a little off. There a few misplaced passes and crosses happening during the most crucial times. Fiji didn’t exactly threaten a lot (Their pace though looked scary) and also didn’t seem to control the match, but that should be more than enough reason for Malaysia to take it to them and yet only a goal to show for it. It was still a decent tempo, but there was still a sense that Malaysia could’ve gone for more. Malaysia can afford to get away with it given it’s a friendly and perhaps Tan Cheng Hoe is currently experimenting with the team too, but hopefully they can shore whatever weaknesses they have before the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Centre-Forward Blues

Unfortunately with all that momentum going forward towards their opponent’s final third, there is almost no focal point in their attacks. When Syafiq Ahmad was forced off after colliding with Fiji keeper, Misiwani Nairube, Kelantan’s Shafiq Shaharudin came on for his international debut.

Sadly, he seemed to lack the chemistry with his midfielders and him dropping deep often didn’t help matters in attack. Still, it’s quite baffling that Tan Cheng Hoe subbed him off at half-time, meaning he only had about 20 minutes of gametime because he surely may have benefitted more if he plays on longer. Shafiq’s substitution speaks volumes on how bad the problem is Malaysia has in the centre-forward department in recent years and Syafiq Ahmad’s injury made the situation worse.

Zaquan Adha though strangely wasn’t called upon despite scoring a hat-trick in that position in the last friendly match against Bhutan. Not only that, the centre-forwards Cheng Hoe could’ve called up were involved in the FA Cup (PKNS’ Safee Sali) or that this match came at an inconvenient time (Shahrel Fikri with Thailand’s Nakhon Rataschima). Although, there might be another plan Cheng Hoe has in mind.

No. 9 Falsification

Because of a lack of killer centre-forwards Tan Cheng Hoe can call upon, it seems that we’ll see the 4-6-0 formation, otherwise also can be known as ‘False 9’ system, at some point. Nazmi Faiz was thrust into that role after no centre-forward was in sight after half-time. Fiji’s centre-backs though would most often sit back and that will give space for Nazmi Faiz to create a pass for an incoming teammate. It nearly worked with Wan Zack Haikal, who came on for the unfortunate Shafiq at half-time, coming closest to double the lead.

The thing about the ‘false 9’ is that other than passing, the player should also be brave to take on the defenders. While Nazmi’s passing is good, he not exactly known in the ‘take-ons’ department. It will be good if Malaysia has a player that can do both to confuse the defense on what he will do for this role.

Defensive Grey Areas

Shahrul Saad and Adam Nor Azlin were selected as the starting centre-back pairing, despite Adam Nor not playing as much as he would’ve wanted at Johor Darul Takzim. They kept possession well, but Shahrul almost gifted Fiji a ninth-minute lead when he failed to intercept a through pass. But was given a huge reprieve when Christopher Wasasala’s one-on-one effort hit the post.

Shahrul and Adam Nor looked comfortable, but haven’t been truly tested under immense pressure to see how capable they are in protecting their final third. Still, there are options if this pairing didn’t work out, namely Sabah captain Rawilson Batuil. Despite keeping a clean sheet, it’s still early days for these two as the Fiji match is only the first of six friendlies Malaysia is involved.

Other Notable Things

First, let’s start with the left-back role. Syazwan Andik was placed in that position due to his experience as the left wing-back for the national U-23 side and also due to Safawi & Syazwan Zainon’s inclusion. But here’s the thing, if you’ve played as a wing-back, that means you’re most likely can play as either a winger or a left-back in other formations that doesn’t utilize the back three. Syazwan Andik looked much more comfortable in the left-wing when Nazirul Naim came on to replace Safawi. He already came under-fire as a left-back for Kuala Lumpur, which should be a sign on how Cheng Hoe should use Syazwan Andik.

Irfan Zakaria was in his preferred holding midfield role much to the delight of a few KL fans for maybe the first time in the international stage and he showed why that is his strongest position. He did well to keep the midfield calm and he was composed with possession. With him holding the line, it allowed Akram to go forward to contribute the attack.

The rest? Other than that one-on-one battle, Khairul Fahmi & Hafizul Hakim (who replaced Khairul Fahmi at half-time) had an easy time. Kenny Pallraj also won his first cap when he came on the 78th minute, but didn’t do much in his usual centre-midfield position. Kenny coming on resulted in Akram Mahinan moving further up as an attacking midfielder, but he looked out of place. He’s better off on the centre-midfield role he is accustomed to. Wan Zack Haikal looked his usual energetic self but couldn’t utilize the chances given.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, no one shined the brightest in this match. They haven’t really gave an early great first impression, especially those who were given their first chances (Like Shafiq & Kenny). It’s best to give a sturdy case as early as possible to raise your chances of making the final squad for the AFF Suzuki Cup. They did decently well yes, but they didn’t maximize their abilities. Hopefully these batch of players will get better from here on out.

Although the good thing here is because of a victory against the higher ranked Fiji (Even though they’re only five places above us), Malaysia should get something going up on the FIFA rankings.