MELAKA, March 29 — The Class A International Friendly between Malaysia and Macau at the Hang Jebat Stadium here tonight ended in a goalless draw.
Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s boys dominated play in the first half but compact defending by Macau kept the Malaysian strikers led by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha at bay.
The Harimau Malaysia came closing to scoring in the 37th minute via a through pass from Matthew Davies to Mohd Nazrin Mohd Nawi but Mohd Nazrin’s shot hit the post.
It was the same old script in the second half but the Macau defence and their goalkeeper Ho Man Fai were up to the task.
Midfielder Mohd Hafiz Kamal who came on as substitute in the second half almost broke the deadlock but his dazzling free kick in the 78th minute was palmed off by Man Fai.
Man Fai was again the saviour when he blocked Harimua Malaysia captain Mohd Amri Yahyah’s shot minutes later while Mohd Hafiz was disappointed again when his free kick in the 93rd minute hit the upright.
Macau coach Tam Lao San and his players jumped with joy to have held Malaysia to a draw when referee Mohd Nafeez Abd Wahab blew the final whistle.
More than 20,000 home fans came to support Harimau Malaysia including Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
At the post-match press conference, Tam revealed that his players included amateurs including teachers and civil servants.
As of March 3, Malaysia were ranked 166th in the FIFA rankings while Macau 195th. — Bernama
