Malaysian naturalized team barely beat Singapore

The Malaysian team with a squad of high-class naturalized players just had a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Singapore.

Malaysia team (yellow shirt) won 2-1 against Singapore - Photo: FAM

On the evening of September 4, the Malaysian team had a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Singapore in a friendly match at home at Bukit Jalil Stadium during FIFA Days in September.

The “Malaysian Tigers” are made up of naturalized players of European and South American origin. In the list of players called up this time, 18/29 players are of foreign origin.

This group of naturalized players continued to make a strong mark in the Malaysian team's playing style. However, they encountered a well-organized play by Singapore. In addition, because it was a friendly match, the away team did not put much emphasis on the result.

Right from the first minutes, the Malaysian team proactively raised their attacking formation.

In the 26th minute, Brazilian player Endrick dos Santos (currently playing for Ho Chi Minh City Police Club) had a delicate pass for Stuart Wilkin to break through.

Wilkin controlled the ball neatly before unleashing a decisive shot past goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, opening the scoring for the home team.

Entering the second half, the Malaysian team continued to control the game.

In the 55th minute, it was another naturalized player's turn to speak up. From a run down the right wing, Stuart Wilkin had a favorable cross for Brazilian striker Joao Figueiredo to easily tap the ball into the net, doubling the gap.

Malaysia's naturalized players still have outstanding class - Photo: NST

It seemed that an easy victory was in the hands of coach Peter Cklamovski and his team, but Singapore unexpectedly equalized in the 72nd minute. Ilhan Fandi scored a classy goal, turning and finishing from outside the penalty area, narrowing the score to 1-2.

In the remaining minutes of the match, Singapore pressed forward in search of an equalizer and created quite a stir for the home team. However, Malaysia’s defense stood firm to preserve the overall victory.

This victory continues to show the importance of naturalized players in the Malaysian team. The FIFA Days in September is a good opportunity for their naturalized players to bond with each other.

At the same time, the challenge for the Vietnamese team in the rematch with Malaysia in Group F of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup will be even more difficult. Previously, coach Kim Sang Sik's team lost 0-4 to their opponent.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dan-nhap-tich-malaysia-thang-vat-va-singapore-2025090422565019.htm