Malaysian centreback Mohd Fadhli Shas has apologised to Malaysian fans for their porous defence, which resulted in their 3-5 defeat by Singapore in the Asian Zone World Cup second round, first leg match at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Mohd Fadhli said he and his team-mates had pledged to plug the holes in defence when they face the Lions in the return leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
“We are truly sorry for the mistakes committed in defence and we will try to keep a clean slate for the second leg,” said Mohd Fadhli upon their return from Singapore yesterday.
National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal was furious with the defence led by Mohd Fadhli, Mohd Muslim Ahmad (centre-backs), Mohd Asraruddin Putra (left-back) and Mahalli Jasuli (right-back) and has even threatened to take drastic action if they showed no improvement.
It was a disappointing performance by the same Malaysian defence who made heads turn by winning the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federal (AFF) championships last December.
In fact, Mohd Fadhli, Mohd Muslim and Mahalli were also part of the Harimau Muda A squad, who had gained valuable experience during their six-month training stint in Slovakia last year.
“I will not tolerate such play by the defenders ... if I have to make changes ... I will do it if they are unable to live up to my expectations,” warned Rajagopal.
He said it was time for the Malaysian players to show their “true character”.
“We are still in it and I want them to remain focused. It is not a bad score line.
“It could have been 1-5 but the good thing is that we can score goals,” said Rajagopal.
The 20-year-old Mohd Fadhli said he and his team-mates had pledged to plug the holes in defence when they face the Lions in the return leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
“We are truly sorry for the mistakes committed in defence and we will try to keep a clean slate for the second leg,” said Mohd Fadhli upon their return from Singapore yesterday.
National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal was furious with the defence led by Mohd Fadhli, Mohd Muslim Ahmad (centre-backs), Mohd Asraruddin Putra (left-back) and Mahalli Jasuli (right-back) and has even threatened to take drastic action if they showed no improvement.
It was a disappointing performance by the same Malaysian defence who made heads turn by winning the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federal (AFF) championships last December.
In fact, Mohd Fadhli, Mohd Muslim and Mahalli were also part of the Harimau Muda A squad, who had gained valuable experience during their six-month training stint in Slovakia last year.
“I will not tolerate such play by the defenders ... if I have to make changes ... I will do it if they are unable to live up to my expectations,” warned Rajagopal.
He said it was time for the Malaysian players to show their “true character”.
“We are still in it and I want them to remain focused. It is not a bad score line.
“It could have been 1-5 but the good thing is that we can score goals,” said Rajagopal.
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