BEST FBKL: Losing is part of the game, but at least go down fighting and put up a decent performance. This is what happens when you leave out your top striker so he can rest. I can't remember top strikers of the past being left out of National Team Games for major regional tourneys so they can rest. They are paid to play football. The team tactics was really poor throughout the tournament so far
Minnows Cambodia send Malaysia crashing out
FMT Reporters
-December 4, 2019 6:26 PM
Striker Hadi Fayyad Razak foiled by Cambodia goalkeeper Keo Soksela during the match. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s underperforming footballers were given a fitting sendoff from the SEA Games – a 3-1 thrashing by unfancied Cambodia today.
Ong Kim Swee’s boys went into the must-win match hoping to book a semifinal spot with a handsome victory.
After 90 minutes, they left the pitch with tails firmly between their legs, having rarely threatened the opposition goal.
Cambodia turned up the heat following the interval, going 2-0 up within the first 12 minutes.
In Sodavid put them ahead in the 56th minute before Sieng Chanthea doubled their lead a few seconds later.
The impressive 17-year-old, a threat throughout the match, dribbled past Dominic Tan before lashing home at near post to leave goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli and his teammates stunned.
Seasoned striker Keo Sokpheng then hit the final nail in the coffin, sweeping a cutback home from the edge of the box in the 68th minute.
Quentin Cheng grabbed Malaysia’s consolation goal a minute from time.
The result helped Cambodia finish second ahead of host nation Philippines on goal difference and advance to the next stage with Group A winners Myanmar.
Manila 2019 has been a forgettable outing for the Young Tigers – they crash out having won only once in four group games.
It is also only the second time they fail to progress beyond the group stage in six editions.
