Malaysian goalkeeper: 'Vietnam plays like a Japanese team'
Malaysia goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat stressed that they must not concede a goal in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 Semi-final against Vietnam at home ground Shah Alam.
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It was Fahmi Che Mat who made a mistake that allowed Singapore to equalize 1-1 in the 83rd minute of the decisive match against Malaysia in Group B. The draw was enough for Singapore to eliminate Malaysia and join Thailand in the Semi-finals. However, in the remaining time of the match, the visiting team Malaysia scored 2 goals through Safiq Rahim and Indra Putra to win 3-1 on aggregate.
“We almost lost our ticket to the semi-finals because of my mistake. But luck was on Malaysia’s side,” Fahmi Che Mat told The Star. “In that free kick situation, I should have pushed the ball away, but I made a mistake and Singapore equalized.”
Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat of the Malaysian team
Fortunately for Fahmi Che Mat, Malaysia were awarded a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time and Safiq Rahim converted it to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Singapore's push for an equaliser allowed Malaysia to counter-attack quickly before Indra Putra slotted home to seal a 3-1 win for the visitors.
However, Fahmi Che Mat, who was surprisingly chosen as the starting goalkeeper for this tournament instead of Mohd Farizal Marlias, stressed that they cannot afford to make any more mistakes in the Semi-finals against Vietnam.
“Malaysia will play the first leg of the semi-final at home and our task is not to concede any goals,” Fahmi Che Mat affirmed. “Vietnam are playing better under the guidance of new coach Toshyia Miura. Their style of play has changed. They play like a Japanese team. Therefore, we have to try very hard at home to gain an advantage.”
However, Malaysia's task will not be easy as their two mainstays, centre-back Mohd Shukor Adan and striker Mohd Amri Yahyah, cannot play in the first leg due to suspension.
At the AFF Cup 2010, Malaysia also met Vietnam in the Semi-finals. They won 2-0 in the first leg thanks to a brace from Safee before holding Vietnam to a 0-0 draw in Hanoi. In the Final, Malaysia also beat Indonesia to win the regional championship for the first time.
According to TTVH
