Malaysia U16 national team kept 3 points and a solid top postion in the first match after beating Timor-Leste national team scoring 5-0 in the ASEAN U16 Boys Championship 2024 Group Stage, Group C at Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta.
Malaysia, under the guidance of coach Javier Jorda Ribera, showcased their attacking prowess from the onset. Aisy Mirza Azri tested Timor-Leste’s goalkeeper Joao Baptista with a free kick in the fifth minute, but Baptista made an easy save.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Izzuddin Afif Nazarudin scored a brilliant solo goal. After initially losing the ball, Izzuddin recovered, dribbled past a defender, and fired home to give Malaysia a 1-0 lead.
Timor-Leste attempted to equalize just before halftime with a close effort from Rivaldinho, but Malaysian goalkeeper Naqqiudin Zamzuri made a crucial save to preserve the lead.
Malaysia continued their aggressive play in the second half. In the 56th minute, Izzuddin Afif provided a precise pass from the right wing, which Fahmi Nor Farizamal converted with ease, doubling Malaysia’s advantage to 2-0.
In the 67th minute, Awal Wafiy Ahmad Syukri capitalized on a mistake by Timor-Leste’s goalkeeper Baptista, who ventured outside the penalty box. Awal Wafiy seized the opportunity and scored with a swift shot, making it 3-0.
Arayyan Hakeem Norizam added his name to the scoresheet in the 79th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, further extending Malaysia’s lead to 4-0.
Awal Wafiy Ahmad Syukri rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute, netting his second goal of the match and sealing a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Malaysia.
Credit Photo : PSSI/LOC ASEAN U-16 Boys’ Championship 2024