Malaysia third in Tiger Cup

Singapore - Malaysia, fourth in the previous edition of the Tiger Cup, scored once in each half to defeat Myanmar 2-1 in the third-fourth playoff match at the Jalan Besar Stadium here last night.

Striker Khalid Jamlus opened accounts for the Malaysians while Mohd Nor added a second after the break. Myanmar skipper Soe Myat Min squeezed one goal in between the two Malaysian strikes in the 52nd minute.

Malaysia's goals in the 15th and 55th minutes were enough to help them pocket the US$20,000 that goes with finishing third. Myanmar had to settle for US$10,000.

For Malaysia, the win meant that they gained revenge for the shocking loss at the hands of Myanmar during the group matches in Kuala Lumpur. Myanmar edged Malaysia 1-0 and went on to top the group.

The victory also meant that Malaysia finished one rung higher than they did in the previous edition of the Tiger Cup.

In last night's match, Khalid gave Malaysia the lead at the break after scoring a superb goal. Khalid, who has scored four goals prior to last night's match, scored on the break after picking up a long cross from Khaironnisam. Khalid saw Aung Aung Oo racing off his line to clear the ball and coolly lobbed it over the stunned Myanmar custodian to give Malaysia the lead.

Myanmar pushed hard for the equaliser but failed to breach the Malaysian defence, who managed to hold on until the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Myat Min broke through to level the score. But their celebrations were shortlived as Mohd Nor restored Malaysia's lead just three minutes later.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin