Thursday, August 24, 2006
Malaysia v Indonesia
The Merdeka Cup has kicked off with Indonesia getting a 1-1 draw. Nothing on TV here I think... we get crappy Tottenham against Sheffield United but not the national team. The spirit of Independance Day is soon forgotten eh?
23rd August, 2006 – Host Malaysia might not have got the winning start they were looking for but the 1-1 draw against Indonesia tonight has put them in a great frame of mind for their second game of the 38th edition of the Merdeka Tournament on Friday.
Former Selangor front man Bambang Pamungkas, making a return to the Indonesian national team after an absence of more than a year, slotted home in the 16th minute before an own goal after the break saw both teams trooping off on even terms.
After a nervous start, Indonesia made full use of the flanks for Bambang to run down the right to beat marker Chan Wing Hoong before unleashing a left foot shot.
The decision to put Mohd Hardi Jaafar to partner K. Nanthakumar at the centre of the park did not have the desired effect when they were overwhelmed by the industriousness of Hardi’s Melaka TM FC team-mate Ponaryo Astaman.
But while Indonesia made full use of their speed, Malaysia was a lot more patient and in the 77th minute, Indonesia’s Muhammad Ridwan headed the ball into his own goal following a cross from V. Thirumurugan.
report from www.fam.org.my
# posted by Me @ 5:57 AM 
