Harimau Muda & Jets Draw In Thriller
Harimau Muda ‘A’, the Malaysian under 23 side, made its NPL debut in a six-goal thriller against Moreton Bay United Jets at Wolter Park on Saturday night.
On an historic night for the league, the impressive Malaysians twice went ahead only for the predatory instincts of Royce Brownlie to clinch a point for the Jets.
Both sides had good, late chances to snatch victory, the best being Brownlie’s effort which was saved on the line and Mohd Saad heading over from close range.
Though the honours were even in a fast-paced, action-packed encounter, it is the Jets who may have more reason to look back on this as an opportunity missed.
Cheered on by a sizeable group of flag-bearing, drum-beating fans, Harimau Muda took the lead on 10 minutes when Abdunloh Pula fired home from a right-wing cross.
Jets responded 12 minutes later with Ryota Nakaooka rising well to head in Charles Mendy’s cross from the left.
The lively Nakaooka then had a thunderous drive parried away before, on 29 minutes, Brownlie netted from close range after a shot was blocked.
With the Malaysian interim national coach Ong Kim Swee in the dug out, Harimau Muda levelled three minutes before the break, Awang Kechik was drilling home a low shot.
There was no let-up after the break. Goalkeeper Mario Aparicio made a crucial save from Mohamed Anwar when the Malaysian broke through on the Jets’ right.
Brownlie then headed over from close range before, on 65 minutes, Badrul Hisham was brought down by Matthew Zappone on the Jets’ left and Devandrn calmly scored from the spot.
Jets’ captain Brownlie twice went agonisingly close, before equalising in the 74th minute with a sharp turn and shot following a free-kick.
Nakaooka was denied again by another fine save after a quick break and shot over from the edge of the area as Jets’ pressed hard in the closing minutes.
There was still time for Harimau Muda’s Mat Nasir to fire over the bar with just four minutes left and then straight at Aparicio, before Jets forced a succession of corners in added time, but were unable to snatch a winner.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.