Rajagobal proud of Harimau Malaya's performance

Despite losing 0-2 to Qatar in their opening encounter in the 2015 Asia Cup qualifying round yesterday, national chief coach Datuk K. Rajagobal is still proud of their performance and commitment.

He said the national squad who visited Doha without several key players gave a strong fight to Qatar.

"We were playing against a strong team. Luck was on Qatar's side who scored the first goal in the second half and the second goal in the dying minutes of the game.

"We gave a strong fight back to Qatar. They did not expect the Malaysian squad to play well last night," he said upon arrival with the Harimau Malaya squad at the KL International Airport, here, today.

Rajagobal said he was not defending Harimau Malaya, but the players exhibited a positive pattern of play.

"Regardless, I think all matches give many lessons and experience to every player. They also know they must play better after this," he said.

He said Harimau Malaya had a month to prepare before meeting Yemen on March 22, and hoped they could retain the consistency and draw on the Qatar's experience.

Midfielder Mohd Shakir Shaari said Harimau Malaya players had given full commitment in the match against Qatar yesterday.