Malaysia edge Palestine 1-0 to end 24-year drought
An early strike by Joao Figueiredo secured Malaysia a 1-0 win over Palestine in a Tier 1 international friendly, ending a 24-year winless run against the West Asian side.
Harimau Malaya’s last victory over Palestine was in March 2001, when they won 4-3 in a World Cup qualifier.
Head coach Peter Cklamovski rotated his lineup at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri by resting key players such as Jon Irazabal, Stuart Wilkin, Endrick dos Santos and Corbin Ong, reported Berita Harian.
The breakthrough came in the third minute when Figueiredo finished a cross from Quentin Cheng.
Palestine pushed for an equaliser but were held off by a solid Malaysian defence led by Shahrul Saad, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, Dominic Tan and Cheng.
Malaysia had several chances to extend their lead.
Shahrul’s…
Jaringan Figueiredo selamatkan maruah Harimau Malaya