Malaysia’s Mohd Zaquan Adha Abd Razak (left) is tackled by Nigeria’s Adedeji Adeyinka Michael during their match at the Petaling Jaya Stadium yesterday. Pic: HASAN ISMAIL.
MALAYSIA held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw but their Inter-Continental Cup campaign is over after Ireland were held to a 0-0 draw by Iraq in the other Group A tie last night.
Ireland’s draw mean they are second in the group unless Iraq beat Nigeria with a two-goal margin in their final group match tomorrow.
As hard as it may be to believe, there were more Nigerian fans than Malaysians in the stadium and they came to party. They were not to be disappointed as Nigeria were quick to seize control as they attacked in waves.
Eight minutes into the match, Nigeria skipper Adedeji Michael’s shot from 15 metres out was just wide but that was just the start as Nigeria kept pressing.
The reward came in the 10th minute with Okorowanta Bernard combining perfectly with Tukura Michael to give Nigeria the lead.
To Malaysia’s credit, they tried to match Nigeria but the gulf in class was vast as the ball skills and passing of the Africans left Malaysia chasing shadows.
Malaysian keeper Nasril Nourdin, who had looked suspect in Malaysia’s previous matches, did well in the 17th minute though when he thwarted an attempt by Oweri John.
Malaysia were left with the occasional counter attack and they had a chance when Zaquan Adha broke free but striker Safee Sali could not position himself in time to connect.
Nigeria continued their search for a second and what kept the scoreline down was the Malaysian defence, ably marshalled by Norhafiz Zamani Misbah.
In fact, a goal line clearance by Norhafiz from a Michael effort saved Malaysia from going further behind. The defender came to Nasril’s rescue again just before the break when he cleared Ani Jeremiah’s tap after the Malaysian keeper had hesitated in closing the Nigerian down.
There was more urgency in Malaysia after the break and the equaliser came in the 81st minute when Khyril Muhymeen send a diagonal pass to Norshahrul Talaha who chested the ball for Safee Sali who shot home.
The fans celebrated as the Nigerian players questioned each other but in the end, it was the Africans who sealed their semi-final berth while Malaysia were left to rue on what it could have been.
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