# Tale of missed chances saw Macau hold Malaysia to a scoreless draw
# No sharpness upfront
# Macau goalkeeper Ho Man Fai gets ‘high five’ for his performance
By Rizal Abdullah
“Disappointed!” was the first word national football coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee blurted out as Macau celebrated with high fives and hugs their scoreless draw in Tuesday’s international friendly at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
Yes it was “disappointing” performance from the Malaysian professionals led by skipper Amri Yahya against the amateurs from Macau who earn their living as teachers, police officers and other jobs in the civil service.
It was certainly a night of frustration for the team and the 20,000 fans, including Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, who packed the stadium to watch the national team in action.
It was a night when Amri, who plays for Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim, was the main culprit and was also rather selfish and could only clutch his head and look in despair each he muffed a goal-scoring opportunity.
Nazrin Nawi had a the best chance in the first half but his attempt came off the left upright with a little from Macau custodian Ho Man Fai, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Shahrom Kalam and substitute Hafiz Kamal did no better.
Luck was not with Hafiz on the night when two of his freekick attempts came off the the bar.
Malaysia did dominate play but tucking the ball into the back of the opponents’ net is what football is all about in winning matches. This did not happen and Kim Swee certainly has his hands full to add upfront.
Malaysia are ranked 166 in the FIFA ranking list while Macau are a distant 195.
The draw was a big achievement for Macau who had lost 9-0 and 5-0 to Malaysia in their previous encounters.
