Johor Bahru: New coach Eduardo 'Nelo' Vingada was honest in his assessment of Malaysia following Tuesday’s heartbreaking last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Lebanon in Tuesday’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier, but the nature of the defeat will give the Portuguese tactician hope for their future in Group B.
Mahalli Jasuli’s strike on the stroke of half-time at Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, after he pounced on a mistake by Lebanon goalkeeper Mehdi Kahlil, looked to have handed Malaysia the perfect start to Vingada’s reign as well as their campaign for the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
But with substitute Rabih Ataya scoring twice inside the final 10 minutes, which included a 94th minute strike through the legs of Malaysia goalkeeper Khairul Azhan Khalid, Lebanon maintained their 100% record.
“Lebanon came out strong in the second-half. In the last 15 minutes, we were feeling fatigued. In the two situations when Lebanon scored, my question was on our levels of concentration. We were naive and didn't react quickly even though we had many men behind the ball,” said experienced Portuguese coach Vingada, who was only appointed in May.
“We need to improve on our transitions. We created two to three good chances in the first-half during transitions.
“We lost the ball many times in the second-half despite being under less pressure. Too often we missed the important pass.”
The win saw Lebanon add to March’s 2-0 home win over Hong Kong, with Miodrag Radulovic’s side already ideally place to secure only a second AFC Asian Cup finals appearance since hosting the 2000 tournament.
“The first-half was a little slower for us as we were adjusting to the conditions and gave some respect to our opponents,” said Lebanon coach Radulovic, who introduced Ataya at half-time.
“We then had to make a few changes in the second-half and kept attacking. I was confident that once we scored the first goal we would be able to get a result. I was pleased with the impact Ataya gave the team.”
Lebanon, with six points from two games, top the table with a five-point cushion over DPR Korea and Hong Kong, who shared 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
“Playing against such a strong team like North Korea, I think in terms of performance, the spirit was very good and maybe we can look forward to getting more points in this competition,” said Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon.
“I must praise my boys. We had the passion, we had the desire and we were close to winning. Our target remains clear and that’s to qualify for the finals.
“From time to time they put us under pressure and we tried to change the game tactically. Anyway, I appreciate our players because they followed my instructions to achieve a point.”
DPR Korea bagged home a point after halftime equaliser
The match at Hong Kong Stadium represented DPR Korea’s first outing of the campaign having beaten the hosts 1-0 during last year’s East Asian Cup qualifiers.
“In the first-half we were a little bit unlucky, we had some chances, we dominated the game, but we didn’t make a goal. And then we made an error and were 1-0 behind. It was very difficult for us, mentally very difficult,” said DPR Korea coach Jorn Andersen after his side had trailed at half-time only to hit back in the first minute of the second-half.
“But at half-time we told each other we are strong enough to come back, and I am happy that we can take one point after the match against such a strong team as Hong Kong.
“The home team had a very good game, and I think we're much better than the last game last year. Hong Kong were more active and dangerous. They tried to play more long balls and quick balls, especially in the second-half which give us some problems.”
Photos: Asiana.my & Hong Kong Football Association
Source: the-afc.com