Malaysia's Azamuddin Mohd Akill is tackled by a Myanmar player in their opening Suzuki Cup match in Singapore on Sunday. The match ended in a goalless draw. - S.S.KANESAN/ The STAR
SINGAPORE : Cut out the theatrics!
National coach Dollah Salleh is fuming over the unsporting Myanmar players after watching his 10-man Harimau Malaya held to a goalless draw in their opening AFF Suzuki Cup Group B match at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday.
Dollah was especially riled by the play-acting of the Myanmar players that resulted in midfielder Gary Steven Robbat being red-carded in the 35th minute after a 50-50 challenge.
He also felt that Malaysia were unlucky not to get a penalty when winger S. Kunalan was tripped in the box in the second half.
“This is the third time in a row that our player has been sent off ... but I’m proud of their performance,” Dollah said at the post-match press conference yesterday.
“We should have taken full points but it looks to me like the Myanmar players were trying to get our player sent off by play-acting.
“We now have to bounce back against Thailand on Wednesday. We need a positive result from that match to have a chance of advancing to the semi-finals.”
The start was delayed by an hour due to a downpour. And when it finally got off, Malaysia began poorly as Myanmar adapted better to the wet conditions.
Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat was superb between the posts – saving at least three sitters to keep Malaysia alive.
Dollah’s men only got going in the second half, although they were a man down.
Malaysia had two good chances after the break but Mohd Amri Yahyah and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha failed to make them count.
As the match wore on, Myanmar were able to comfortably hold off Malaysia for a share of the points.
Myanmar coach Radojko Avramovic felt that the draw was a good result for both teams, though he said that his players should have been more composed.
“It’s always difficult to play in the opening match of any competition but I’m pleased with our overall performance,” said the former Singapore coach.
“We can’t be disappointed with not winning because Malaysia are tough opponents. This result is good for both teams ... with two more matches to play.”
Myanmar will face hosts Singapore at the National Stadium in Kallang on Wednesday.
In yesterday’s late match, defending champions Singapore went down 2-1 to Thailand after conceding a late penalty at the National Stadium in Kallang.
The Thais snatched the winner two minutes from time when Singapore defender Safuwan Baharuddin handled the ball inside the box. Charyl Chappuis converted.
Mongkol Thosakrai had earlier given the Thais the lead off a neat set-piece in the 10th minute before Lions striker Mohd Khairul Amri sent the home fans into a frenzy with the equaliser in the 20th minute.
