The country's second top scorer, Safwan Mazlan (no.21) celebrates his goal with Hakimi Azim to beat Hong Kong 2-1. FB FAM
The U-22 squad wins the Merlion Cup, overcoming Hong Kong
SINGAPORE - The country's Under-22 (U-22) squad returned home with smiles on their faces when they emerged as Merlion Cup champions after defeating Hong Kong 2-1 in the final stage at the Jalan Besar Stadium
Despite the disappointment with the referee's decision to nullify Hakimi Azim Rosli's two goals and the goalkeeper's mistake, Rahadiazli Rahalim, the two quick goals produced in the second half were enough to confirm Malaysia's maiden championship.
Earlier, E. Elavarasan's men were clearly the better team throughout the first half when they managed to force the opposing team to focus more on defensive tasks and a golden opportunity came as early as the 12th minute, but Adam Farham Mohd Faizal's fast shot just stopped at the goal post.
Eight minutes after that a goal produced by Hakimi Azim was disallowed because it was claimed to be in an offside position.
Continuing the second half, Hakimi Azim once again suffered the same disappointment when the goal in the 58th minute was also disallowed, but the national team's wait ended when substitute player Najmudin Akmal Kamal scored the opening goal in the 74th minute.
Four minutes later, the national squad became more comfortable when Safwan Mazlan's shot from outside the penalty area failed to be blocked by Hong Kong goalkeeper Ng Wai Him.
However, in the 80th minute, resulting from goalkeeper Rahadiazli's blunder in failing to clear a ball 'gifted' a consolation goal for Hong Kong as Lau Ka Kiu walked the ball into the net
