SEA Games: Rozaimi saves the day as Malaysia hold Singapore to a draw
Harimau Muda striker A. Thamil Arasu dribbling the ball while coach Ong Kim Swee (left) looks on during the match against Singapore at the Zayar Thiri Football Stadium on Sunday. -- BERNAMApic
The Malaysian under-23 squad failed to collect the full three points after drawing 1-1 with Singapore in Group A in the Myanmar SEA Games at the Zeyar Thiri Stadium here today.
Singapore were aggressive at the start and Mohamad Sahil Suhaimi took a shot at goal in the first minute but the ball was easily palmed by Malaysian keeper Mohd Farhan Abu Bakar.
Malaysia's striker A. Thamil Arasu failed in the 17th minute to score what could have the opening goal.
Play was more or less balanced, with the two teams relentlessly launching attacks but failed to score.
In the second half, Singapore launched more attacks and scored through Muhammad Sahil in the 62nd minute.
Striker Mohd Rozaimi Abdul Rahman saved the blushes for Malaysia when he struck home off a free kick in the 90th minute.
Malaysia are down to play Vietnam in the closing game of Group A at the same venue on Tuesday before the semi finals.
Singapore qualified for the semi-finals from Group A after collecting nine points, one more than Malaysia who have one match remaining to play.
Malaysian coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said the Malaysians played well today and managed to hold the strong Singapore 1-1.
"Although Singapore is strong, we did not play a defensive game but launched attacks and got the equaliser," he told reporters.
Kim Swee said Malaysia had a good chance of topping Group A.
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