Just A Few Things - Malaysia U-22 Vs. Myanmar U-22

Credit: FAM

First Half Jitters

It wasn’t the start everyone here was craving for. For the first 20 mins, Myanmar have been the better side as Malaysia struggled to impose themselves. While the goal could’ve been avoided, it was what Myanmar deserved as a Soe Moe Kyaw got the slightest of headers to head in Hlaing Bo Bo’s corner by the near post. Could’ve been different had Haziq Nadzli kept a proper hold on a free-kick that lead to the corner.

All that nervousness was nearly wiped away when Malaysia got an unexpected equalizer against the run of play just nine minutes after Myanmar's opener when Akhyar Rashid pounced on a loose Myanmar pass before crossing it for Hadi Fayyadh.

But given the result, that is why you should mark your stamp for the full 90. But give credit to Myanmar, they know what they wanted to do and had the Malaysian defence worried with their organized pressing and smart creativity ideas going forward, something Malaysia needs to take note as we will go into later.

Not A Good First Outing

Eyes were on Luqman Hakim Shamsudin as he made his first start in the U-22 level. But sadly, it was anything but a memorable debut. Luqman looked largely anonymous and was hooked at around the hour mark for Faisal Abdul Halim.

Umar Hakeem was far busier and really should’ve scored just before the break following an excellent run, only to completely miskick his shot. Though like Luqman, he struggled to make a visible impact other than that shot and was subbed off for R. Dinesh. Keep in mind, they’re still young and this is their first start in this age level, so hopefully they will bounce back from a disappointing debut.

All In All…

It just wasn’t good enough. Getting control of the match is one thing, making use of it is another thing entirely. Syahmi Safari while hardworking as the right wing-back, his crosses was poor, the midfield’s chemistry didn’t gel enough despite Syamer Kutty Abba leading it, the captain Adam Nor Azlin wasn’t commanding enough to lead the backline and the subs didn’t yield an impact.

Almost every attack Malaysia had in the second half was let down by either poor distribution or poor finishing. The narrative could’ve been much different had Hadi’s two great headers were lower and Syamer didn’t make a mess with his finishing with the last action of the match. Dominic Tan is probably the only player from that team that came out with any positive feedback having to make some great defensive tackles and composure.

The display was worrisome, especially on the attacking front and we all hope this is just one of those days for our young tigers.