Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Bangladesh shared the spoils in a 0-0 friendly draw on Saturday as both sides finalised preparations for their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifiers.
The result saw Malaysia extend their 2015 winless streak to five games, an unenviable record for the side that, following a 1-1 draw with Timor-Leste and a 6-0 thumping at the hands of Palestine in their previous Group A fixtures, will travel to play the UAE on September 3 before hosting Saudi Arabia five days later.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be buoyed by the result in the Malaysian capital ahead of their tough Group B trip to play Australia in Perth and a home clash with Jordan on September 8.
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In a game of few real opportunities, Malaysia came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when efforts from Amri Yahya and Safiq Rahim were both expertly saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Shahidul Alam.
The visitors, with Topu Barman’s long throws a constant threat, failed to stem the Malaysian tide in the second period and were grateful to see Joseph Kalang Tie, Norfarhan Muhammad and Wan Zack Haikal all spurn chances that could – and perhaps should – have sealed a much needed win for Dollah Salleh’s side.
Photo: Kamarul Akhir / www.asiana.my