Friendly match: Pakistan hand 2-1 victory to Malaysia U23

National team wrap up Malaysia tour with one win and one loss.

KARACHI: Pakistan lost 2-1 to Malaysia U23 in a friendly match in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, making in their first defeat in the three international matches they have played this month.

The team is on a preparatory tour to Malaysia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifying round and the AFC U23 event later this month.

National team manager Muhammad Asghar Anjum said that the loss was beneficial for Pakistan. “This was a good match, the kind of fixture that will help us improve,” Anjum told The Express Tribune. “We lost, but our players refused to go down without a fight.”

Pakistan conceded their first goal in the eighth minute as Malaysia U23 led 1-0 at the interval.



The hosts doubled the lead in the 73rd minute while Pakistan scored through Muhammad Riaz’s header in injury time on Hassan Bashir’s kick from the corner.

Anjum said that the team missed eight opportunities to score in the match. “We missed out on eight possible goals, and the Malaysian side only came to our side just thrice, but they utilised their chances while we were weak in our finishing.”

The official added that the team also received good reviews from the local critics in Malaysia, who were expecting Pakistan to concede at least four or five goals. “People here in Malaysia are quite surprised to see us play like this,” said Anjum.

Meanwhile, the national side will now leave for Thailand on Sunday, where it will play two more friendlies.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th,  2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.