MALAYSIA Goalkeeper, Rorazlan Razali (forth from left) successfully blocked an open goal from Arsenal. –Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: English Premier League outfit Arsenal FC came from behind to gun down Malaysia 2-1 in an action packed friendly match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here Tuesday night.
The win was the second on the trot recorded by the English side, dubbed the ‘Gunners’, after having won 4-0 at the same venue during their Asian Tour last year.
The national side dubbed as ‘Harimau Malaya’ gave the Gunners an early scare through Mohd Safee Sali’s half-volley in the 5th minute but it was well saved by the visitors’ goalkeeper Vitor Mannone.
The Gunners increased their tempo and forward Marouane Chamakh almost opened accounts for the English side in the 8th minute but it was pushed out by Mohd Farizal Marlias in the Malaysian goal.
The national side coached by Datuk K. Rajagobal then took the lead in the 46th minute when defender Mohd Azmi Muslim unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 metres into the top corner, leaving Mannone rooted to his spot.
Startled by the score, Gunners coach Arsene Wenger revamped his whole squad in the second half but the Malaysian defence marshalled by Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak and S. Subramaniam stood their ground, preventing every effort from their speedy strikers, especially England striker Theo Walcott.
The Gunners’ new signing from Germany, Thomas Eisfeld however, levelled the score in the 87th minute before Chuks Aneke turned hero for the Gunners when he scored in the final minute, sending thousands of local fans who filled the stadium, disappointed.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Sultan Ahmad Shah then presented the medals and trophy to both teams.
The Gunners will wrap up their Asian Tour with another friendly match against Kitchee FC of Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday. — BERNAMA