KUALA LUMPUR – A first-half goal was enough for Harimau Malaya to grab three points against Turkmenistan in their friendly match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri last night.
Malaysia’s goal came in the 28th minute through Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid.
The forward beat two Turkmenistan defenders with his eighth international goal.
This is the second time the national team has defeated Turkmenistan as the first win was during the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers Group B match last year. Malaysia won the match 3-1 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
It was a good win for Malaysia as they defeated a higher-ranking team. The national team is ranked 145, while Turkmenistan is ranked 135.
The national team will play Hong Kong in their next friendly match on March 28 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as Bukit Jalil Stadium is currently undergoing pitch upgrade works.
These friendly matches are part of the national team’s preparation for the upcoming Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 next year.
The 18th edition of the Asian Cup was initially scheduled to be played this year in China, but due to the circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and China’s zero-Covid-19 policy, it was moved to Qatar.
However, the tournament was forced to move to next year because of Qatar’s participation in the CONCACAF this year and the high summer temperatures in the gulf region. – The Vibes, March 24, 2023
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