Harimau Muda Lose 0-1 To Yemen In Friendly Match

SHAH ALAM (Selangor, Malaysia), Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Harimau Muda were embarrased before their home crowd when they lost 0-1 to Yemen in an international friendly match at Shah Alam Stadium Saturday evening. The disappointing outing for the team under coach Ong Kim Swee had dealt a blow to Malaysia's hopes at 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea on Sept 14. Although the under 23 national squad began aggressively, they were kept at bay by Yemen's defence mounted by Motazz Qaid and Mudir Al-Radaei. Harimau Muda fired several shots at the goal in the first half but they were off target. In the 79th minute Yemen's Muhammed Fuad slotted in the only goal of the match despite many more unsuccessful attempts by the Malaysians. In March, Malaysia had beaten Yemen 2-1 in the Asian Cup qualifying round in UAE. After this dismal performance, Harimau Muda will be facing China in another international friendly on Sept 10 before leaving for the Asian Games. Malaysia drawn in group A, will meet South Korea in the opening match on Sept 14 before rounding up the other group matches against Saudi Arabia and Laos. The Asian Games football to be held from Sept 14 to Oct 3, will see the top two teams from each of the eight groups qualifying for the second round played at six stadiums in the city. -- BERNAMA