Malaysia today played against Cambodia in the International Friendly Match 2022 (Tier 1) in Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The stadium was rather wet, as it is Malaysia’s Northeast Monsoon season.
The Harimau Malaya met Cambodia once in 2018, where the Harimau Malaya defeated Cambodia 3 to 1. Malaysia’s Captain Faisal Halim (2 goals), Debutant Lee Tuck (1 goal), and Stuart Wilkin (1 goal) were all involved in the score.
In the 10th minute, the Cambodian defender put down Lee Tuck; however, the referee saw it as a clear foul. Faisal Halim caught the chance and quickly converted the score to 1-0 after a beautifully chipped shot over Cambodia’s keeper.
The Harimau Malaya was aggressive in the game as they held more possession. Around 37 minutes, Faisal Halim dribbled the ball around the defenders and saw Lee Tuck. He quickly passed the ball, and Lee Tuck grabbed the chance and scored against Cambodia. The debutant shows the ability of his striking power, no doubt.
The officials added two minutes of extra time. Before the end, Faisal Halim converted the score to 3-0! Darren Lok passed a perfect through ball to the Captain, and he quickly charged in front and shoots. Cambodia’s keeper has no chance of saving it. The score was 3-0 before halftime.
The second half was the same as the first half, as the home team tried their best to add more goals. The substitute and vice-captain Safawi Rasid nearly scored a header after Lee Tuck crossed into the box. Unfortunately, the ball went off the frame.
Around 67 minutes, Cambodia saw a chance to rewrite the score, but it was off target. The score remains 3-0. After that, the game looked like Cambodia held more possessions as the Harimau Malaya carelessly lost possessions. The Cambodians decided to test the Harimau Malaya’s keeper, but the shots were too much off-target.
At about 79 minutes, the home got a free kick after Cambodia made a mistake. Safawi Rasid took the chance and decided to go for it. The free kick nearly got converted, but it was out of frame in the end.
Stuart Wilkin scored Harimau Malaya’s fourth goal after Safawi Rasid’s try. The ball deflected off the keeper’s hand, and Stuart Wilkin quickly rebounded. Malaysia now has 4, whereas Cambodia remains 0 goals.
The game then ended with Malaysia 4 – 0 Cambodia. The Harimau Malaya will face Maldives on 14 December 2022 in KLFA Stadium.
