No body expecting Malaysia to win big in a friendly match against Zimbabwe last night. Just look at the FIFA ranking, Zimbabwe is far better in 116th position compare to our national squad who is rank 157th at the moment. Winning by four goals margin is not a pure luck. It is hard work and dedication shown by our young players.
Forget about the controversy that Zimbabwe Football Association sending their league champion, Monomotapa to represent Zimbabwe. As long as this match is recognized by FIFA as an A-Class international friendly, we have a good chance to improve our FIFA ranking.
I am happy to see Farizal Marlias as our national goalkeeper rather than Syed Adney, and K. Rajagopal decision to play 4-5-1 formation is something new to our national squad. It might give a hint that Malaysia could employ two defensive midfielders to stop Manchester United from controlling the game in this Saturday friendly match.
Malaysia goal scores by Safiq Rahim, Indraputra, Farderin Kadir and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
Malaysia squad have lot to learn and improve so don’t be over the moon by this comfortable win. I hope we can get another win tomorrow to give our player morale boost to play against Manchester United.
Congratulations Harimau Malaya.
MALAYSIA:
FIRST-ELEVEN:
Mohd Farizal Marlias (GK), Mohd Asraduddin Putra Omar, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (CAP), Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak, Mohd Zaquan Adha, Mohd Safiq Rahim (Out, 77th), Amar Rohidan (Out, 30th), Indra Putra Mahyuddin (Out, 69th), S.Kunanlan (Out, 55th), Mohd Amri Yahyah (Out, 69th), Mazlizam Mohamad (Out, 77th).
RESERVES:
Mohd Sabre Mat Abu (In, 77th), V. Thirumurugan, G. Mahatevan (In, 77th), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (In, 30th), Mohd Azmi Muslim, Khyril Muhymeen, Mohd Bunyamin Umar (In, 55th), Faderin Kadir (In, 69th), Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal (In, 69th), Syed Adney Syed Hussein (GK), Baddrol Bakhtiar, Mohd Muslim Ahmad.
ZIMBABWE:
FIRST-ELEVEN:
Godfrey Mangove (GK, CAP), Voster Chitema, Tendai Samanja, Darrly Nhahdoro, Fidelis Mangezie, Daniel Kamunenga (out, 84th), Charles Chiutsu, Asani Nhongo, Luckmore Simango, Chrisopher Semakwere, Daniel Zokoto.
RESERVES:
Tapiwa Mafunga (GK), Brian Mapfumo, Tendai Gwata (In, 84th), Abel Chimusaru, Lawrence Mdhluli, Makai Kawashu.
Bro, this is not the Zimbabwean National team. Its the Monomotapa United team, which plays in the Zimbabwean first division.
Hi Salamshady,
If Zimbabwe FA decided to send Monomotapa as their national squad for international match, it should be recognize. FAM deal with Zimbabwe FA not with Monomotapa official.
But forget about this squad status. We just need a friendly matches before Manchester United game.
no offence to anyone but this is the sad reality of malaysian football... we like to bash our own lads rather than focusing on the positives..
though our 4-0 and 1-0 wins against Zimbabwe is nothing to shout about but it is still encouraging to see our lads score 4 goals against a physically stronger opponent.
the matches against Zimbabwe is a FIFA sanctioned INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY...as a result our wins against Zimbabwe (a team that is ranked higher than us)will boost our ranking!!!
Our Malaysian squad consists of only 4 senior players...the rest of our lads is Under-23!!! For an Under-23 Olympic Team to put 4 in the net against seasoned pros is like I say ENCOURAGING...
Whatever it is, it's still not the "real" Zimbabwe national 'A' team. The real Zimbabwe national team can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe_national_football_team
The real team consists of many players playing in Europe and South Africa. Only one player for Monomotapa is in the national squad: Charles Chiutsa.
And of course, if its not an 'A' match, it is not counted in FIFA ranking. You can see here:
http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=mas/fixturesresults/gender=m/index.html#
I wished Malaysia would start playing more 'A' matches. Kalah pun takpe. The most important thing is they learn and improve. August, we'll be playing Indonesia 'A'. That's real good.
The results are good, I agree with GombakRock. This is because Monomotapa were champions in their Zimbabwean top division league title last season, macam our Kedah (2008) or Selangor (2009).
And by the way, I am not bashing and have never bashed our national team. If I attend Malaysian matches in the stadium, I'll be proudly wearing the Malaysian jersey each time, and even if they lose, I still support them habis2an.