M’sia survive Gelora fire to lift cup

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JAKARTA: Malaysia fought an epic rearguard battle for over 90 minutes at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here to fend of relentless Indonesian attacks to win the Suzuki Cup despite losing the second leg of the final 2-1 last night.

WE ARE THE CHAMPION: The Malaysian team celebrate their victory against Indonesia during the last of the two round final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 in Jakarta last night. — AFP photo

The Indonesians made their intentions clear from the first whistle launching wave after wave of attacks in a vain bid to overcome their daunting three goal deficit after the first leg tie in Kuala Lumpur.

K Rajagopal the Malaysian coach had a simple plan for his boys – defend and rely on counter attacks and nip a goal put the tie beyond their opponents.

It was a tactic that panned out perfectly and frustrated the Indonesians and posed a serious threat to their back four which had to be on their toes to thwart swift counter attacks.

Malaysia was let off the hook in the first half thanks to a fine penalty save by goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat from indonesian skipper Firman Udina after Mohd Sabbre Mat Abu handled the ball in the box.

The two-leg final was all but decided when striker Safee Sali silenced the Indonesian fans with a goal in the 53rd minute finishing off a sleek Malaysian counter attack by sweeping the ball past the on-rushing Indonesian goalkeeper Markus.

With the herculean task of overcoming a four goal deficit facing them the Indonesians redoubled their efforts to get something out of the match while Malaysia retreated into their defensive shell. In the end the hosts’ persistence aided by lapses of concentration of the Malaysian defence paid dividends when Mohd Nasuha latched on to a loose ball which spilled off Khairul who had been outstanding until then to score from close range in the 71st minute. Mohammad Ridwan added another in the 87th minute to put the Indonesians ahead 2-1 but it was too little too late for them as time run out on them and Malaysia deservedly won the Suzuki Cup for the first time in 14 years.