Saudi Arabia defeats Malaysia

Bangalore, Nov 1 (UNI) Saudi Arabia registered its first win in Group D of the ongoing AFC Asian Youth Football Championship defeating Malaysia 2-0 here today.

Scoring once in each half Saudi Arabia got its goals Al Sahlawi and Ataif in the rain marred match.

Saudi Arabia was in total control of the match whereas Malaysia were sluggish. The team could have boasted an enlarged kitty of goals but for their poor finish and a couple of good saves by Malaysian custodian Mohammad Sabre Mat Abu.

The first goal came in the 13th minute through a superb solo effort by forward Al Sahlawi.

Taking advantage of free kick awarded, midfielder A Ataif did made no mistake as his kick curved into the net in the 60th minute.

Referee Chaiwat Kunsuta of Thailand, meanwhile, gave marching order to Saudi Arabia's substitute midfielder Ahmed Alfraidi when he obstructed Malaysian player Abdul Manaf Mamat and argued with the referee protesting against yellow card awarded to him.

In the post press conference Saudi Arabia Coach Gilson Nunes said, '' The boys played with spirit and we deserved to win since we could draw our first match against Iraq (2-2).

Malaysia Coach Krishnaswamy Rajgobal said, ''The loss was not due to weather condition. The boys played sluggish game, they should learn to play with spirit for full 90 minutes. I am confident that the boys have learnt lessons from this defeat and improve upon.'' For Malaysia this was second defeat in the league. In the first encounter it had tasted defeat at the hands of Vietnam (1-2).

With this win Saudi Arabia, with one draw, increased its points tally to four from two matches played so far, while Malaysia is yet to open its account.

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