[ad_1]
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Under-19 (U-19) squad faces a daunting path ahead in efforts to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship when they are held to a 2-2 draw by Tajikistan in their second Group D match in Bekasi, Indonesia earlier today (Tuesday).
After having taken over to pick up points in their first group match when they went down 1-2 to mighty Saudi Arabia, Bojan Hodak's charges should have been able to bounce back to pick up points against Tajikistan, however they only managed to get a point this could bring their challenge in the championship to a premature end of the group stage.
So in the final group match at the Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong this Friday, while also hoping that Saudi Arabia is able to defeat Tajikistan, if they are to have any chance from making it to the quarter-finals.
During the game played at the Chandrabhaga Patriot Stadium, Tajikistan began aggressively with efforts from Saidov Karomatullo, Mabatshoev Shervoni and a glancing header by Ehsoni Panshanbe early in the match that tested Malaysia's defense which was able to withstand the onslaught.
The National Under-19 (U-19) squad faces a daunting path ahead in efforts to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship when they are held to a 2-2 draw by Tajikistan in their second Group D match in Bekasi, Indonesia earlier today (Tuesday). Pic courtesy of FAM Facebook
Pic courtesy of FAM Facebook
However, Malaysia's patience in finding their footing and rhythms bore fruit when a cross by Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat managed to get past the Tajikistan defense as Hadi Fayyad Abdul Razak got the finishing touch for the opening goal in the 11th minute.
However, they are rewarded for their efforts when Al Imran Halim fell to Boboev Sheriddin to incur the wrath of match referee Ahmed Faisal Mohamad Alali from Jordan who awarded Tajikistan with a penalty that Panshanbe successfully converted into the 34th minute to bring them level.
In the final minute of the first half, Tajikistan 's persistence paid off as a swimmer. Yodgorov Daler putting the ball in the back of the Malaysian goal for a 2-1 lead going into the break at halftime.
Malaysia did not have to run their opponents in the second half, Nabil Hakim Bokhari put Malaysia back into the game when he scored via a free kick which was deflected into the net by Tajikistan's Hanonov Vahdat in the 54th minute.
Malaysia's quest for the winning goal was dealt a severe blow when it was shown in the 83rd minute after a terrible challenge on Fuzaylov Ziyovuddin which left the Tajikistan midfielder having to be stretchered off and rushed to hospital because of the seriousness of the injury.
Tajikistan also lost a player of their own barely five minutes later when he was forced to give up a challenge for Ramadhan Saifullah in the 87th minute, as both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
Source link
