Giving thanks: Jordi Tarres (left) celebrating after scoring Hong Kong’s first goal against Malaysia in the Asian Cup Group B qualifying match at the Hong Kong Stadium last night. — Reuters
PETALING JAYA: National coach Eduardo Vingada conceded that Malaysia face a tough task to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup Finals after a 2-0 loss to Hong Kong in their Group B qualifying match.
Skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim was the villain of the piece for Malaysia, picking up a straight red card after stomping on a Hong Kong player in the 40th minute.
After his sending off, Malaysia fell to pieces as Hong Kong scored through Jordi Tarres (44th minute) and Jaimes McKee (49th) at the Hong Kong Stadium last night for their first win.
The Harimau Malaya remain bottom of the group with one point with only three matches remaining.
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“The sending off made it harder for us and made it easier for Hong Kong to get the win,” said Vingada.
“We still have a mathematical chance (of qualifying). But we have to be realistic as it will be harder than before.”
Portuguese Vingada was forced to field untested striker Safawi Rasid to lead the attack following an eleventh hour injury to striker Darren Lok. The 64-year-old coach also opted to give national Under-23 midfielder Syameer Kutty Abba his first outing with the senior team.
The duo struggled to make an impact, gave away unnecessary free-kicks and picking up bookings.
Hong Kong drew first blood just before the break after Tarres headed in a free-kick which was conceded by Syameer.
The homesters capitalised on their numerical advantage after the restart and needed only four minutes to double their lead. McKee had an easy job of heading home a Wong Wai cross past a static Malaysian defence.
With the two-goal cushion, Hong Kong took their foot off the pedal. Still, Malaysia could not muster enough imagination to stage a fightback.
Earlier, Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong in their second match at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Sept 5. In their opening match, Malaysia lost 2-1 to Lebanon at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru on June 13.
Lebanon currently top the group with seven points from three matches with Hong Kong second with five points. North Korea are third with two points from two matches.
Malaysia’s next match is against North Korea in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 14.
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