It was a frustrating night for Malaysia in their first match at home at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium after a stubborn Laos managed to hold out for a draw. Plenty of players were sub par on the night as Malaysia failed to pick up the minimum required three points.
Khairul Fahmi 5
Culpable for the concession of the first goal. Free kick from that distance and position should never beat a goalkeeper at his near post. That was the only time he was called into action as Laos defended in numbers for the majority of the match.
Syazwan Andik 4
A disappointing night for the left back. Vacated his position that caused calamitous defending for Malaysia in Laos' goal. Also did not cause too much trouble going forward with very wayward crossing.
Shahrul Saad 5
With Malaysia in control for large parts of the match, Shahrul was not called into action much but it was his foul that led to Laos scoring the opening goal of the match. The Perak man decided to take his man out that time because he knew that he was beaten for pace.
Aidil Zafuan 6
Like his defensive partner, saw very little action. Popped up at the other end of the piece for set piece and thundered one header onto the bar.
Syahmi Safari 7
Probably Malaysia's best player on the night. His run and pass created the equaliser scored by Zaquan. Ventured forward a lot throughout the match and even had a shot that went wide second half.
Akram Mahinan 6
Had to man the midfield almost entirely on his own in the match. In the second half, he was the only player in the centre after Syafiq was taken off. Kept the ball well and moved the ball well.
Syafiq Ahmad 5
Tries and never hide in an unusual role for him but midfield is not his position and it showed. Saw plenty of the ball in central midfield but struggled with his passing and often times had no idea what to do with the ball even when he found himself with time on the ball.
Norshahrul Idlan 6
Another anonymous player, Norshahrul stayed in-line with Laos' defensive line and very seldom drop deep to pick up the ball. Had very little impact for most of the match but still came up with two vital touches late on to grab a brace and gave Malaysia all the points.
Syazwan Zainon 4
Only played the first 45 minutes of the match. Almost anonymous in his contribution as he struggle to beat Laos’ right back and did not fare any better trying to cut in-field.
Zaquan Adha 5
Scored the leveller for Malaysia but otherwise struggled to make an impact on the match. Well marshalled by the three centre backs that V. Sundramoorthy put out, Zaquan neither had the time nor space to turn or receive the ball.
Safawi Rasid 5
Couple of shooting chances in the first half but not finding his range. Did not get the service he wanted wide on the right and with the centre so crowded, even when he cut inside, found very little space to operate. Only lasted 62 minutes before being replaced by Hazwan Bakri.
Akhyar Rashid 7
The bright spark for Malaysia in the second half, the young Akhyar immediately looked Malaysia's most dangerous player on the pitch with his direct running and willingness to take on his marker. Had one shot that went close and only the finger tips of Laos keeper Outthilath Nammakhot denied Akhyar the winning goal. Late on, the youngster also help create the third goal with his pass to Norshahrul.
Hazwan Bakri 5
Was enterprising on the right hand side as he replaced Safawi. Forced the Laos keeper into a good save in the 65th minute but made the decision to pass to Zaquan when he was in a far better shooting position late on.
Shahrel Fikri 5
Played 28 minutes when he replaced Syafiq. Glanced one header at the near post over the bar but like most of his team mates on the night, struggled to find the rhythm to have a postitive impact on the match.
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