Pau Marti Vicente, head coach of Malaysia national team expressed satisfaction after giving three players their international debuts during Malaysia’s 3-1 victory over Laos in the International Match Tier 1 at PAT Stadium, Bangkok.
The match saw Zhafri Yahya, Fergus Tierney, and Fazrul Amir Md. Zaman earn their first caps for the national team. Zhafri, part of the starting lineup, partnered with Paulo Josue and Nooa Laine in midfield, while Tierney and Fazrul entered as second-half substitutes.
Pau Marti praised the trio’s performances, emphasizing their efforts to adapt and contribute to the team’s success.
“I am happy for the players who made their first appearances tonight. They are here because they deserve to play. I feel for the others who didn’t get minutes, but the debutants performed well to help secure the win,” Pau Marti shared in an interview with FAM TV.
The Spanish coach acknowledged the challenges posed by the waterlogged pitch after heavy rain, which disrupted Harimau Malaya’s flow in the first half. Despite this, the team adapted and improved as the field conditions stabilized.
Pau Marti also commended Laos, describing them as a “tough opponent” who pushed Malaysia despite the unfavorable conditions.
“Laos gave it their all, but when the pitch improved, our players looked more comfortable, and we managed to secure a good result,” Pau Marti noted.
Harimau Malaya now turn their focus to a friendly match against India on November 18 in Hyderabad. The match is anticipated to be a revenge attempt by The Blue Tigers, following their defeat to Malaysia in the 2023 Pestabola Merdeka Tournament.
Credit Photo : FAM
