PETALING JAYA: Rookie international S. Chanturu was the unlikely hero in Malaysia’s 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan in their opening Group A match of the men’s Asian Games Under-23 football competition at the Huadu Stadium in Guangzhou yesterday.
The Penang-born striker, who played for Kelantan this season, scored the winner – his first international goal – at the hour mark after both teams were tied 1-1.
Striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha had earlier put Malaysia ahead in the 27th minute but Sydykov equalised for Kyrgyzstan 10 minutes later.
National coach K. Rajagopal said it was a morale-boosting win for his team, who flew into Guangzhou with a depleted side after nine key players pulled out of the squad.
“We won a battle today (yesterday) ... and it has come with a heavy price as some of my players have picked up injuries. It is a good start and I am happy for them as they played their hearts out against a more physical Kyrgyzstan side,” Rajagopal said in a telephone interview from Guangzhou yesterday.
Skipper-cum-centreback Norhafiz Zamani Misbah and striker Ahmad Fakri Saarani are among those injured and are expected to miss the crucial tie against Japan tomorrow. “We came with an injury-hit squad and my job is now made even harder with more players on the crock list,” said Rajagopal.
Against Kyrgyzstan, rookie Khairul Fahmi Che Mat started in goal while the defence was manned by Norhafiz, Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Mahali Jasuli and Asraruddin Putra Omar. Amar Rohidan, Safiq Rahim, S. Kunalan and Chanturu featured in midfield while Ahmad Fakri and Norsharul started upfront.
Fakri was an early casualty, having to be replaced by Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar after just 13th minutes while Izzaq Faris replaced Chanturu in the 82nd minute. Norhafiz’s place was taken over by Mohd Fadhli Shas in the 73rd minute.
In the 24-team tournament, the top two from the six groups and the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the last 16. Malaysia will wrap up their Group A fixtures against hosts China on Saturday.
The Penang-born striker, who played for Kelantan this season, scored the winner – his first international goal – at the hour mark after both teams were tied 1-1.
Striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha had earlier put Malaysia ahead in the 27th minute but Sydykov equalised for Kyrgyzstan 10 minutes later.
National coach K. Rajagopal said it was a morale-boosting win for his team, who flew into Guangzhou with a depleted side after nine key players pulled out of the squad.
“We won a battle today (yesterday) ... and it has come with a heavy price as some of my players have picked up injuries. It is a good start and I am happy for them as they played their hearts out against a more physical Kyrgyzstan side,” Rajagopal said in a telephone interview from Guangzhou yesterday.
Skipper-cum-centreback Norhafiz Zamani Misbah and striker Ahmad Fakri Saarani are among those injured and are expected to miss the crucial tie against Japan tomorrow. “We came with an injury-hit squad and my job is now made even harder with more players on the crock list,” said Rajagopal.
Against Kyrgyzstan, rookie Khairul Fahmi Che Mat started in goal while the defence was manned by Norhafiz, Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Mahali Jasuli and Asraruddin Putra Omar. Amar Rohidan, Safiq Rahim, S. Kunalan and Chanturu featured in midfield while Ahmad Fakri and Norsharul started upfront.
Fakri was an early casualty, having to be replaced by Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar after just 13th minutes while Izzaq Faris replaced Chanturu in the 82nd minute. Norhafiz’s place was taken over by Mohd Fadhli Shas in the 73rd minute.
In the 24-team tournament, the top two from the six groups and the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the last 16. Malaysia will wrap up their Group A fixtures against hosts China on Saturday.
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