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- Published on Saturday, 09 August 2014 10:53
DOLLAH Salleh made an ignominious start as national coach after Tajikistan trounced Malaysia 4-1 in an international friendly at the Central Stadium in Dushanbe yesterday.
The defeat was Malaysia's first in four international matches this year.
Amri Yahyah scored Malaysia’s only goal with a penalty on the stroke of half-time after the home team had taken a 2-0 lead.
Goalkeeper Farizal Marlias saved a penalty early in the second half but relief lasted just five minutes as Tajikistan scored twice in quick succession in the 52nd and 53rd minutes to make it 4-1.
Dollah sprang a surprise by fielding S. Chanturu and Badhri Radzi in central midfield, with the former making his first international start in seven appearances and the latter his second in five, while left-winger R. Gopinathan also made his second start.
Malaysia’s next friendly is against Jordan on Oct 11 in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup where the national team have drawn Singapore, Thailand and the qualifying winners in Group B.
