Malaysia U19 took a significant step towards the ASEAN U19 Championship semi-finals after beginning their Group B campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Singapore at Teladan Stadium, Medan.
Malaysia entered the tournament with high expectations and wasted little time asserting their dominance against their southern rivals.
The attacking duo of Arayyan Hakeem and Abid Safaraz, both regarded as exciting prospects from the Johor Darul Ta’zim development system, spearheaded the Malaysian attack, while Singapore looked to captain Andy Reefqy to inspire an upset.
After controlling possession for much of the opening exchanges, Malaysia finally broke through in the 21st minute.
A well-delivered corner kick found Arif Aiman Za’aba, whose powerful header beat Singapore goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal to hand the Young Tigers a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Malaysia continued to pile pressure on the Singapore defence and were rewarded again five minutes before halftime.
Another dangerous set-piece caused problems inside the penalty area, with Abid Safaraz rising highest to guide a clinical header into the net.
The goal capped an impressive first-half display from the young striker and gave Malaysia a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Singapore attempted to respond after halftime but struggled to cope with Malaysia’s organised structure and attacking intensity.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 61st minute through a moment of brilliance from Tengku Hasyri. The midfielder unleashed a superb curling effort that flew beyond the goalkeeper and into the top corner, effectively ending any hopes of a Singapore comeback.
From there, Malaysia professionally managed the remainder of the contest, limiting Singapore’s opportunities while maintaining control of possession.
With only the three group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals, every goal and every point could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
Malaysia will now shift their attention to their second Group B fixture against Brunei Darussalam on June 5 at the same venue in Medan.
Malaysia’s next assignment will come against Brunei on June 5 at the same venue, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM Malaysian time.
Credit Photo : FAS
