Live streaming match today on 1 April 2018. Malaysia vs Bhutan 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOsiqoFUwxo
After scoring with a stupendous header against Lebanon, Malaysia striker Syafiq Ahmad has fired up to mastermind a first win in 12 attempts when the national team plays Bhutan in an international friendly on Sunday.
The young Johor Darul Ta’zim forward leveled the score against Lebanon with a near-post header, only for his effort to be undone in the dying stages as Malaysia lost 2-1.
But the all-round valiant performance served as motivation for Tan Cheng Hoe’s men, who will play the South Asian minnows at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
“We have a harmonious national camp, and everyone is in good spirits. Of course, if coach gives me a chance against Lebanon, I am going to take it,” Syafiq told FOX Sports Asia.
That header was Syafiq’s first goal for the senior team in only his second appearance from the bench.
But having played under Tan for almost three seasons with Kedah FA, the 22-year-old knows he can shine under the stewardship of the new head coach.
“Coach Tan is still implementing entertaining football and we players enjoy the sessions as he doesn’t like to play long balls. His tactics are the same, and it will gradually grow on the team.”
With Malaysia reeling at 178 on the FIFA rankings and the fate of their national body hanging in the balance following the resignation of Tunku Sultan Ismail, the first win in 16 months would be priceless.
Up against Bhutan, the Harimau Malaya are expected to cruise to a win with home advantage.
The tiny nation, ranked 10 rungs below Malaysia, have been on the end of heavy thrashings by Oman (14-0), Palestine (10-0), and Maldives (7-0) in their last six international games.
But even so, underestimating their work rate and talent is the worst thing the national camp could do.
“I don’t know much about Bhutan, but I know we can’t take them lightly, especially when we are desperate for a win ourselves,” added Syafiq.
Tan is expected to field a much-changed line-up from the Lebanon game, and that could mean a first start for Syafiq upfront, alongside Akhyar Rashid.
The last time Malaysia won an international match was when they beat Cambodia 3-2 in the 2016 AFF Cup group stage.
Don’t forget :
BILLED AS
An easy match for the first win.
THE LOWDOWN
Held outside the international calendar to give Tan Cheng Hoe another match during the March international break, this game offers Malaysia a chance to finally get a first win in international football since November 2016.
Harimau Malaya was initially supposed to play Nepal, who are ranked higher than Malaysia’s No.178 in the FIFA world rankings, but unlike Malaysia, the Nepalis couldn’t get a team together because of domestic commitments.
Instead, they’ve got Bhutan, ranked a lowly No.188 in the world.
Yet as straightforward as this tie may seem, Tan will not want to underestimate Bhutan after being held at home to Mongolia last week. Malaysia also played out a scoreless draw with Macau in 2016. Macau was then the second-worst side in Asia!
Tan, however, will demand his players repeat their performance in the 2-1 loss to Lebanon in the final and insignificant 2019 Asian Cup qualifying tie.
The Tigers received praises for their bold display in Beirut and were only denied a point in stoppage time. Malaysia went close and caused panic for the Lebanese several times on Tuesday.
TEAM NEWS
Following mass changes after the draw with Mongolia, Tan will not take a similar road after the defeat to Lebanon as he maintains the same squad.
He is, however, expected to ring some changes and give the likes of Syahmi Safari, Nazirul Naim Che Hashim, Syafiq Ahmad, and Jafri Firdaus Chew a start.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Akhyar Rashid: Akhyar has made two appearances now and what great outings he has had. Malaysian writers questioned Tan why the youngster did not start after getting a goal off the bench in his debut against Mongolia while the Lebanese press asked Tan why Akhyar was taken off in the second half. Akhyar doesn’t seem like a 90-minute player yet but there’s no denying already that Malaysia does look exciting with the 18-year-old on the pitch.
FACTS AND FIGURES
- Malaysia has not won an international match since November 2016 when they defeated Cambodia in the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup opener.
- Malaysia has played 12 matches since that win against Cambodia, scoring eight and conceding 22.
- Harimau Malaya has not won at Bukit Jalil Stadium since the 2014 Suzuki Cup final second leg against Thailand when they won 3-2 but lost the round on aggregate.
- Bhutan has not won a match since defeating Bangladesh in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying playoff in October 2016.
- Bhutan conceded a stumping 32 goals and scored six goals in five matches in 2017. They suffered a 7-0 humiliation to the Maldives just days ago.
PREDICTION
Malaysia 3 Bhutan 0: The Tigers may be on a long winless streak but the visitors’ defense leaks plenty of goals and it would not be a surprise should the host run riot.