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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Fans of the national football squad 'Harimau Malaya' need to be more professional and not emotional when giving their support, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. He said the Harimau Malaya players need the full backing of the fans in facing arch rivals Indonesia in their final group match in the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament tomorrow. "However, they (fans) need to adopt a more professional attitude. They must support the team till the very end and not quickly leave the stadium whenever Malaysia lose. "Don't only be with the team when we win and curse and scold when we lose. No matter the outcome, we must be loyal supporters," he said when met on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here Friday. Earlier, Ahmad Shabery together with his deputy Datuk Razali Ibrahim had conducted a lucky draw for visitors of the ministry's booth at the assembly.

“KEMENANGAN ke atas Indonesia bukan sesuatu yang mustahil”. Itu pandangan pemain sayap negara, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor menjelang pertemuan getir membabitkan juara dan naib juara Piala AFF 2010, malam esok. Skuad negara kendalian Datuk K Rajagobal yang kini mengumpul tiga mata memerlukan kemenangan mutlak untuk memastikan tiket ke separuh akhir manakala Indonesia yang kini mendahului Kumpulan B hanya memerlukan keputusan seri. “Jika kami bermain seperti satu pasukan dan mengikut arahan, kemenangan bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dicapai,” kata pemain berusia 21 tahun itu yang menyinar ketika menewaskan Laos 4-1 malam kelmarin di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil. Anggota skuad Harimau Muda A bimbingan Ong Kim Swee itu berharap rakan sepasukan tidak terbawa-bawa dan leka dengan kemenangan besar ke atas Laos kerana perlu menyedari hidup mati Malaysia adalah menentang Indonesia. Lawan jelas berada di tahap terbaik apabila menewaskan juara tiga

PETALING JAYA: Back in September, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) controversially terminated Vountus Indra Mawan’s contract, claiming that he lacked the skills to be in the national team. Yesterday, the 23-year-old proved them wrong at the Macau Open GP Gold as he combined with Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari to stun third seeded Indonesians Yonathan Surya­tama Dasuki-Hendra Gunawan 14-21, 22-20, 21-11 in the men’s doubles third round. After losing the first game 14-21, the Malaysian scratch pair fought tooth and nail against the world No. 25 Indonesians to square things up by winning 22-20. The third game saw the Malaysians in control as they went on to book their place in the quarter-finals. Vountus said that all he wanted to do was to play his best as a professional after the BAM controversy. Vountus-Fairuzizuan are the only pair left in the running following the 17-21, 9-21 loss of former junior champions Chooi Kah Ming-Ow Yao Han to South Koreans S

KUALA LUMPUR: A hamstring injury ended national No. 2 Low Wee Wern’s hopes of another good outing in the Hong Kong Open squash championships. The injury forced Wee Wern, who reached the semi-finals last year, to retire in the second round against Camille Serme of France yesterday. The Penangite, who moved from world No. 10 to No. 7 last month, won the first set 11-5 and lost the second 10-12. She was then leading 2-0 in the third when she slipped and fell. After receiving treatment, she continued to play but lost 3-11. Despite having her leg strapped with bandage, she played on and was trailing 7-9 in the fourth set when dived to retrieve a shot. This time she stayed down. The 22-year-old Wee Wern, seeded seventh, said that it was unfortunate that she got injured in the second round. “I started off well and won the first set without any real challenge from Camille. The second set, however, was a close affair with the score at 10-10. Camille played well

SKUAD hoki kebangsaan negara meneruskan kehebatannya apabila melepasi sasaran awal yang diletakkan kepada mereka di Kejohanan Hoki Cabaran Juara-Juara, di Quilmes, Argentina. Barisan Paul Revington mengesahkan tempat ke separuh akhir selepas menundukkan Afrika Selatan yang menduduki ranking lebih tinggi, 4-1 dengan kini sasaran memburu tempat ke final. Berdasarkan mutu permainan dipamerkan, hasrat untuk mara ke final bukan sesuatu yang mustahil apabila skuad negara layak atas tiket juara Kumpulan A yang membabitkan saingan Poland, Korea Selatan dan Kanada. Mereka kini akan berdepan sama ada Jepun atau Korea Selatan dan pencapaian layak ke separuh akhir ini belum pernah dilakukan sepanjang lima kali menyertai kejohanan ini. “Kami bangga dengan persembahan dan disiplin taktikal pemain,” kata pengurus pasukan, George Koshy. “Gol pertama membantu mengendurkan ketegangan pemain di samping menekan fokus lawan.” Malaysia memula langkah awal membuka jaringan me

Delightful double: Faizal Saari (front) fired a brace in Malaysia’s 4-1 win over South Africa in the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament in Quilmes, Argentina.   KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia turned on the heat in the second half to outplay fancied South Africa 4-1 and qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament in Quilmes, Argentina. Yesterday Malaysia, who have now scored four goals in each of their four matches thus far, went ahead in the third minute with an Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin field goal. But it wasn’t until after the break that Malaysia came alive, scoring three goals in 19 minutes. Diminutive forward Faizal Saari made it 2-0 off a penalty corner flick in the 38th minute. Forward Tengku Ahmad Tajudin then made it 3-0 off a penalty corner setpiece in the 56th minute before Faizal got his second, and Malaysia’s fourth, a minute later. South Africa scored a consolation goal off a penalty corner setpiece by skippe

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov (Bernama) -- Skuad hoki negara menempah tempat ke separuh akhir kejohanan Cabaran Juara-Juara 1 di Quilmes, Argentina dengan mengalahkan Afrika Selatan 4-1 pada Khamis. Malaysia mendahului seawal minit ketiga menerusi jaringan Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin, demikian menurut laman web kejohanan www.fih.ch. Anak buah Paul Revington seterusnya melakukan jaringan kedua di minit ke-58 menerusi Faizal Saari. Sementara Tengku Tajudin Abdul Jalil membuat jaringan ketiga di minit ke-56. Seminit kemudian, Mohd Faizal sekali lagi membuat jaringan untuk Malaysia mendahului 4-0

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov (Bernama) -- Penyokong setia Harimau Malaya pastinya mengharapkan sejarah hebat berulang pada Piala AFF Suzuki 2012. Selepas memperagakan aksi longlai apabila dimalukan Singapura 0-3 pada perlawanan pembukaan Ahad lepas, anak buah Datuk K Rajagobal bingkas bangkit dengan kemenangan bergaya mengalahkan Laos 4-1 semalam. Kemenangan itu menghidupkan peluang Malaysia menempah tempat ke separuh akhir, namun ia bukan tugas mudah kerana terpaksa berdepan Indonesia yang turut mengharapkan tiga mata penuh pada aksi terakhir peringkat kumpulan B itu pada Sabtu ini. Kebangkitan itu diharapkan dapat mengulangi skrip sama ketika edisi 2010 apabila skuad Harimau Malaya muncul juara. Itulah impian jutaan peminat bola sepak Malaysia. Pada edisi 2010, Malaysia terpaksa melaui laluan berliku sebelum bergelar juara apabila dibelasah Indonesia 5-1 pada perlawanan pembukaan dan kemudian seri tanpa jaringan menentang Thailand. Ketika peluang Malaysia mara

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- National head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal reiterated that the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 mission has not ended despite the emphatic 4-1 win over Laos Wednesday night. Rajagobal, 56, said the win was the best tonic for his squad before the crucial Group B match against arch-rival Indonesia at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. "The boys performed well and they deserved to win. Actually we had many chances to score but at the end of the first half, we made sloppy mistakes and allowed Laos to equalise. "I want the players to forget this victory and focus on the match against Indonesia because I feel the game against them (Indonesia) will not be an easy one," he told reporters after the match against Laos, here tonight. Malaysia's four goals were scored by Safiq Rahim (15th min), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (67th min), Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor (75th min) and Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri (79th min).

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysian fans will certainly be hoping for history to repeat itself as the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 enters a crucial stage. Defending champion Malaysia made a jittery start to their title defence by going down 0-3 to Singapore in their opening Group B match last Sunday but bounced back in style last night to beat Laos 4-1. The win, coupled with Singapore's 0-1 loss to Indonesia, has revived Malaysia's hopes of making it to the semifinals since the race for the top and second spot in the group was thrown wide open. However, Malaysia still has a mammoth task of beating previous edition's runner-up Indonesia in their next match, to have any chance of defending the title. Malaysia's loss in the first match of the campaign this year was quite similar to what had happened during the 2010 edition when the national team lost 1-5 to Indonesia in their first match.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may have gone great guns in the group phase of the Champions Challenge I but it is the quarter-final match against South Africa today which will define their tournament in Quilmes, Argentina. For the first time in many years the national hockey team are playing consistently well in a tournament, having won all three group matches to top the table. Malaysia, who are ranked 13th in the world, completed their group fixtures on Tuesday with an impressive 4-2 win over Canada. It was their third straight win in the group, having earlier defeated Poland 4-0 and world No. 7 and favourites South Korea 4-2. But all that will mean nothing if Malaysia were to lose to South Africa in today’s quarter-finals. A loss will see them featuring in the fifth to eight placing playoffs while a win will take them into the semi-finals – and a better placing than their last outing in 2011. But the national team this time seem capable of doing something spectac

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's number two women squash player, Low Wee Wern marched into the next round of the 2012 Hong Kong Open squash championships held at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, Wednesday. According to the tournament's official website, www.hksquashopen.com, the 22-year-old world number seven defeated Australia's Melody Francis, a qualifier, in straight sets 11-1, 11-2 and 11-1 in just 23 minutes. Wee Wern will next meet Camille Serme of France in the second round tomorrow. Camille booked her berth in the second round after defeating Ireland's Aisling Blake in a grueling five-set thriller 11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 10-12 and 11-2, which lasted for 62 minutes. In yesterday's first round matches, Malaysia's world number one, Datuk Nicol David also had an easy passage in her opening round match against unseeded Sarah Kippax of England, winning in straight sets 11-2, 11-5 and 11-5.

PETALING JAYA: Teenagers from humble background who aspire to make it in life should look no further than national diver Pandelela Rinong Pamg for inspiration. The 19-year-old Bidayuh girl, whose father worked as a contract labourer to raise the family, was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Universiti Malaya Olympian Fund, which entitles her to full scholarship, at their annual sports recognition ceremony yesterday. Pandelela made the country proud when she became the first female Olympic medallist in the 10m platform competition in London in July. She enrolled for a Sports Science course at UM recently. Pandelela will enjoy fee exemption from tuition and accommodation as well as earn subsistence and training allowances worth RM30,000 a year. The funding is from September this year until her graduation in February 2015. Pandelela divides her time between lectures at the Sports Science faculty and daily training at the National Aquatic Centre in B

Awesome foursome: Malaysia’s (from right) Safee Sali and Safiq Rahim celebrate with Wan Zack Haikal, scorer of the third goal, during their Suzuki Cup Group B match against Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil Wednesday. — M. AZHAR ARIF / The Star IT TOOK some tweaking but Datuk K. Rajagopal’s men finally got their act together to maul Laos 4-1 in their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil – and revive their chances of checking into the semi-finals. The Harimau Malaya began with a venom, playing with aggression and determination. It was no surprise when skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim scored from a free-kick in the 15th minute. That should have sparked a goal rush, instead the early fire fizzled out. And it allowed Laos to hit back through Khonesavanh Sihavong’s deflected effort in the 38th minute. The teams trooped off at half-time even stevens. This forced Rajagopal to tinker with his game plan and it worked wonders. “I to

DARI kiri, Safiq, Safee, Wan Zack dan Khyril masing-masing menyumbang satu gol buat Malaysia ketika menentang Laos pada Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam tadi. Malaysia menang 4-1. MISI skuad Harimau Malaya masih belum selesai biarpun slot ke separuh akhir kembali terbuka sebaik anak-anak buah Datuk K. Rajagobal membelasah Laos 4-1 dalam aksi Kumpulan B kempen Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam tadi. Sedar atau tidak, kepantasan jentera serangan Laos yang diterajui Keoviengpheth Lithideth, Soukaphone Vongchiengkham dan Khampheng Sayavutthi ketika melakukan serangan kilat malam tadi juga sering kali 'melemaskan' benteng pertahanan negara yang diterajui Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak dan Mohamad Fadhli Shas. Jika aksi kurang meyakinkan itu ditunjukkan Harimau Malaya ketika berdepan Indonesia dalam perlawanan terakhir peringkat kumpulan Sabtu ini, tidak mustahil 'malapetaka' bakal menanti merek

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Nov (Bernama) -- Pasukan Indonesia kembali memberikan saingan dalam Kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 selepas mencatatkan kemenangan tipis 1-0 ke atas pendahulu Singapura di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil Rabu. Skuad Garuda yang mencatatkan keputusan seri 2-2 bertemu Laos Sabtu lepas mengasak kubu Singapura sebaik sahaja wisel permainan ditiupkan oleh pengadil perlawanan Ali Hasan Ebrahim dari Bahrain namun berjaya dipatahkan oleh pertahanan Singapura yang diketuai Baihakki Khaizan dan Daniel Mark Bennett. Baihakki mempunyai peluang untuk menjaringkan gol pada minit ke-31 namun percubaannya tersasar. Singapura kemudian membuat pertukaran dengan mengeluarkan pemain tengah Hariss Harun dan digantikan dengan Aleksandar Duric pada minit ke-39 bagi mempertajamkan jentera serangan pasukan namun masih gagal mencari gol pendahuluan. Pemain pertahanan Indonesia, Novan Setya Sasongko turut berpeluang untuk menjaringkan gol pembukaan untuk skuad Garuda pada

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Nov (Bernama) -- Perjalanan skuad Harimau Malaya dalam Piala AFF Suzuki belum berakhir meskipun mencatatkan kemenangan bergaya menewaskan Laos, 4-1 pada aksi kedua kumpulan B di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Rabu. Ketua jurulatih skuad kebangsaan Datuk K. Rajagobal berkata kemenangan tersebut merupakan suntikan moral terbaik kepada skuad kendaliannya menjelang aksi terakhir kumpulan menentang musuh tradisi, Indonesia pada Sabtu ini. "Namun, saya mahu pemain kita melupakan kemenangan (malam) ini (ke atas Laos) dan memfokus perlawanan menentang Indonesia kerana saya fikir perlawanan menentang mereka (Indonesia) tidaklah mudah," katanya kepada pemberita. Empat gol skuad Harimau Malaya dijaringkan oleh Safiq Rahim pada minit ke-15, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (minit ke-67), Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor (minit ke-75) dan Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri pada minit ke-79. Mengulas mengenai peluang mereka untuk menempah slot ke separuh akhir, Rajagobal opti

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Indonesia opened up the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Group B race by beating 10-man Singapore 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil Wednesday night. The Indonesians who had to come back from 1-2 down to salvage a 2-2 draw against lowly Laos in the very last minute on Saturday, were the early aggressors when referee Ali Hasan Ebrahim from Bahrain set the ball rolling. Andik Vermansyah, known as 'Messi Indonesia' was the toast of his team as he lived up to expectation by scoring the winner in the 86th minute against a tiring Singapore side that had to play with a man less from the 65th minute. Singapore had to play the match with 10-man from the 65th minute when Muhammad Irwan Shah Arismail was given the marching orders by Ali Hasan for a crude tackle on Andik.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is proud with Malaysia's win over Laos in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 match at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil Wednesday night. Najib in his tweet after the group B match ended with Malaysia beating Laos 4-1 praised the players for showing strong fighting spirit. "I am proud with the win by #HarimauMalaya tonight. The players showed strong fighting spirit for the sake of Malaysia," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia scored an emphatic 4-1 victory over Laos in a Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Wednesday night. Both teams were tied 1-1 at half time. Scorers: Malaysia: Safiq Rahim (15th min), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (67th min), Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor (75th min), Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri (79th min) Laos: Khonesavanh Sihavong (39th min).

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- National head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal reiterated that the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 mission has not ended despite the emphatic 4-1 win over Laos Wednesday night. Rajagobal, 56, said the win was the best tonic for his squad before the crucial Group B match against arch-rival Indonesia at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. "The boys performed well and they deserved to win. Actually we had many chances to score but at the end of the first half, we made sloppy mistakes and allowed Laos to equalise. "I want the players to forget this victory and focus on the match against Indonesia because I feel the game against them (Indonesia) will not be an easy one," he told reporters after the match against Laos, here tonight. Malaysia's four goals were scored by Safiq Rahim (15th min), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (67th min), Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor (75th min) and Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri (79th min).

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Nov (Bernama) -- Juara tiga kali Thailand menjadi pasukan pertama menempah tiket ke separuh akhir Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 selepas membelasah Myanmar 4-0 pada perlawanan kedua Kumpulan A di Stadium Rajamangala, Bangkok, Thailand Selasa malam. Kemenangan kedua berturut-turut itu membolehkan Thailand selaku juara 1996, 2000 dan 2002 mengumpul enam mata keseluruhan untuk menerajui Kumpulan A. Terdahulu dalam kumpulan yang sama, Filipina yang sebelum ini kalah 1-2 kepada Thailand pada perlawanan pembukaan Sabtu lepas kembali menghidupkan peluang ke separuh akhir selepas mencatat kemenangan tipis 1-0 ke atas Vietnam. Thailand bakal menamatkan aksi Kumpulan A bertemu Vietnam manakala Filipina akan bertemu Myanmar Jumaat ini. Perlawanan Thailand menentang Vietnam akan berlangsung di Stadium Rajamangala, Bangkok manakala perlawanan melibatkan Vietnam dan Filipina akan berlangsung di Stadium Muang Thong, Bangkok.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David had an easy passage in the opening round of the 2012 Hong Kong Open Squash Championship at the Hong Kong Squash Centre, Tuesday night. Nicol took just 23 minutes to beat unseeded Sarah Kippax of England in straight sets of 11-2, 11-5 and 11-5 and will be meeting homester, Joey Chan in the second round match on Thursday. Joey booked her berth after defeating a qualifier, Amanda Landers-Murphy of New Zealand with 8-11, 11- 4, 11-7 and 11-9 which lasted for 40 minutes. Earlier, Malaysia's Delia Arnold was shown the exit by third seed, Jenny Duncalf of England in straight set of 11-9, 11-9 and 11-9. The other Malaysian women player in the main draw, Low Wee Wern will start her campaign in Wednesday's second block of the first round matches. She will be playing against qualifier Melody Francis of Australia. While in the men's category, Malaysia's sole represent

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Pemain No 1 dunia Datuk Nicol Ann David mendapat laluan mudah di pusingan pembukaan kejohanan skuasy Terbuka Hong Kong 2012 di Pusat Skuasy Hong Kong Selasa malam. Nicol mengambil masa 23 minit untuk mengalahkan pemain bukan pilihan dari England, Sarah Kippax 11-2, 11-5 dan 11-5. Beliau akan bertemu pemain tuan rumah Joey Chan di pusingan kedua pada Khamis. Joey mengalahkan Amanda Landers-Murphy dari New Zealand 8-11, 11-4, 11-7 dan 11-9 dalam masa 40 minit. Terdahulu pemain negara Delia Arnold kalah kepada pilihan ketiga Jenny Duncalf dari England 11-9, 11-9 dan 11-9. Seorang lagi pemain wanita negara Low Wee Wern akan bermain esok dalam kelompok kedua di pusingan pertama. Beliau akan menentang Melody Francis dari Australia. Dalam kategori lelaki, wakil tunggal Malaysia, Ong Beng Hee akan menentang pemain Colombia, Miguel Angel Rodriguez.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Three times champions Thailand became the first team to book their place in the semifinals of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup after they thrashed Myanmar 4-0 in their second Group A match at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok Tuesday night. The win put Thailand, who won the title in 1996, 2000 and 2002, to lead the group with six points. Teerasil Dangda drew first blood in the 19th minute before Apipoo Sunthornpanavej increased the tally to two goals in the 59th minute. Teerasil then confirmed Thailand's spot in the semis when he rounded of the night with a hattrick, with his other goals coming in the 83rd and 89th minutes. In another Group A match played earlier, the Philippines who had lost 1-2 in the opening match against Thailand on Saturday, kept their hopes of advancing alive when they edged Vietnam 1-0. Emelio Caligdong emerged the hero for the Philippines when he netted the solitary goal in the 85th minute. Thailand next mee

PETALING JAYA, 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Skuad bola sepak kebangsaan berdepan laluan berliku pada perlawanan kedua Kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki menentang Laos di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil malam esok selepas penyerang Norshahrul Idlan Talaha disahkan mengalami jangkitan kuman di telinga. Ketika mengesahkan perkara itu, Ketua jurulatih skuad Harimau Malaya Datuk K Rajagobal berkata beliau tidak pasti sama ada mampu menurunkan penerima anugerah pemain paling bernilai tiga tahun berturut-turut tersebut pada perlawanan menentang Laos. "Memang benar (Mat Yo) mengalami masalah kesihatan, dan saya tidak pasti sama ada dapat menurunkan beliau atau tidak, pada perlawanan esok. "(Bagaimanapun), saya akan mendapatkan pengesahan daripada doktor pakar yang merawat beliau terlebih dahulu pada malam ini untuk mengetahui sama ada beliau boleh beraksi atau tidak," katanya kepada pemberita selepas sesi latihan skuad kebangsaan di Wisma FAM Kelana Jaya Selasa. Malay

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Ketua jurulatih kebangsaan Datuk K. Rajagobal bakal membuat perubahan besar apabila skuad Harimau Malaya menghadapi Laos dalam kejohanan Piala AFF Suzuki Kumpulan B di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam esok. Beliau berkata beberapa posisi pemain perlu diperkuat bagi memastikan kemenangan. "Saya tahu perlawanan menentang Laos adalah sangat penting dan sudah tentu fokus saya ialah untuk memungut tiga mata. Oleh itu saya akan membuat perubahan besar, tetapi saya tidak boleh memberitahu nama pemain yang akan diketepikan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mesyuarat pengurus Kumpulan B di Seri Kembangan Selasa. Setelah kalah 0-3 dengan Singapura sebelum ini, skuad kebangsaan mesti menang menentang Laos dan kemudiannya Indonesia bagi menghidupkan peluang ke separuh akhir. Rajagobal mengingatkan pemainnya agar melupakan kekalahan dengan Singapura dan menumpukan perhatian untuk menentang Laos.

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Pengurus pasukan negara Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal mempertahan Datuk K. Rajagobal untuk kekal sebagai jurulatih Harimau Malaya pada saingan Piala AFF Suzuki 2012. Beliau berkata pada masa ini tidak timbul soal meminta pengendali berusia 56 tahun itu meletak jawatan berikutan prestasi hambar skuad Harimau Malaya ketika menentang Singapura dua hari lepas. "Tidak pernah terlintas dalam fikiran saya ketika ini untuk meminta Rajagobal meletak jawatan atau menggugurkan mana-mana pemain kerana saya percaya kita mampu menepati sasaran mara ke separuh akhir. "Saya yakin skuad Harimau Malaya mampu mencatat kemenangan pada perlawanan seterusnya," kata beliau kepada Bernama. Para penyokong Harimau Malaya mula mempersoalkan kewibawaan Rajagobal apabila Malaysia diaibkan Singapura 0-3 pada perlawanan pembukaan kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Ahad lepas.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's Cheong Jun Hoong claimed her third bronze medal at the Asian Swimming Championship in Dunai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday. After claiming the bronze medal in the women's 10-metre platform synchronised and women's individual 3m springboard, she added another bronze to her collection after coming in third in the women's synchronised 3m springboard dive. The 22-year-old Selangor lass, who was also part of the London Olympics diving squad, partnering Loh Zhiayi, collected 255.27 points for the bronze medal. The women's synchronised 3m springboard event was won by Chinese duo Chen Ye and Qu lin who scored 321.90 points, while Fuka Tatsumi and Yuka Mabuchi took the silver with 270.69 points.

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 Nov (Bernama) -- Skuad Harimau Malaya memilih untuk 'menyembunyikan diri' selepas diaibkan Singapura semalam, apabila menjalani latihan secara tertutup di Institut Penilaian Negara (Inspen) petang Isnin. Usaha media menjengah sesi latihan skuad Harimau Malaya gagal apabila pengawal keselamatan tidak membenarkan mereka memasuki institut berkenaan dengan alasan telah menerima arahan daripada pihak atasan FAM untuk berbuat demikian. Tindakan itu mengejutkan petugas media kerana sebelum ini, mereka tidak pernah dihalang daripada membuat liputan skuad kendalian Datuk K.Rajagobal tersebut. Semalam, Harimau Malaya tumpas 0-3 kepada Singapura pada perlawanan pembukaan kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil. Pengurus pasukan Harimau Malaya Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal ketika dihubungi mengesahkan perkara itu dan memaklumkan bahawa arahan tersebut adalah daripada beliau sendiri.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The national football squad were humiliated by Singapore after losing 0-3 in a Group B match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 competition at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Sunday night. The two teams traded attacks as soon as the whistle was blown for the start of the game by Uzbekistan referee Kovalenko Valentin, but both sides failed to find the net. Striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha almost scored in the 20th minute but his shot went past the Singapore goal mouth. Three minutes later, national team captain Safiq Rahim almost gave Malaysia the lead through a free kick but it went straight into the arms of Singapore goalkeeper, Mohamad Izwan Mahbud. The negligence of Harimau Malaya's defence line-up was punished by Singapore through a goal by their captain, Shahril Ishak in the 32nd minute, after he received a pass from a team mate before unleashing a powerful shot to beat national goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. Mohd Sh

Indonesia And Laos Draw 2-2 In Group B Of AFF Suzuki Cup. KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Indonesia, runners-up in the 2010 AFF Cup, and Loas drew 2-2 in an opening Group B match for the AFF Suzuki Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, here, Sunday. Laos, coached by Japanese Kokichi Kimura, were in front in the 29th minute through a penalty kick by Khampheng Sayavutti who beat Indonesian substitute goalkeeper, Wahyu Tri Nugroho. Earlier, their number one keeper, Endra Prasetya Suprapto, was given a red card by referee Ng Kai Lam, from Hong Kong, for bringing down a Laotian player in the penalty box. The Garuda squad, however, managed to draw level in the 43rd min. through its naturalised player from the Netherlands, Raphael Guillerm Eduardo Maitimo, with a header to beat Laos' keeper, Sengphachan Bounthisanh. Substitute Keoviengpheth Lithideth scored the second goal for Laos in the 79th min. before his Indonesian counterpart Vendry Ronaldo Mofu equal

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) - Thailand beat Philippines 2-1 in the opening Group A match of AFF Suzuki Cup Football Championship at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday night. The Thais had to wait until the 38th minute to open scoring when striker Jakkapan Pornsai fired a stiff shot after collecting a pass from one of his teammates. Thailand doubled the score two minutes later when Anucha Kitpongsri deceived two defenders before releasing a strong shot with the left foot to beat Philippines goalkeeper Eduard Ortalla Sacapano. The Philippines managed to reduce the deficit when Paul Mulders scored in the 76th minute. Their German coach Hans Michael Wiess was ordered to leave the reserve players bench by the referee in the 81st minute after he threw the ball at an injured Thai player. The victory enabled Thailand, champions in 1996, 2000 and 2002 to lead Group A closely followed by Myanmar, Vietnam and Philippines. Earlier, Vietnam and Myanmar drew 1-1 in the other G

GIGIH...skuad negara giat berlatih.    “MUNGKIN itu hanya permainan psikologi mereka, kata ketua jurulatih skuad kebangsaan, Datuk K Rajagobal mengenai pujian yang diberikan dua pencabar utama Malaysia dalam saingan Kumpulan B Piala Suzuki AFF, Indonesia dan Singapura. Jurulatih Indonesia, Nil Maizar dan rakan sejawat di Singapura, Radojko Avramovic secara terbuka menyatakan juara bertahan, Malaysia sebagai pasukan pilihan untuk mencabar kejuaraan edisi kali ini meskipun gagal menyerlah dalam perlawanan persahabatan baru-baru ini. Bagi Rajagobal, beliau tidak mahu terlalu memikirkan pandangan pasukan lain sebaliknya fokusnya kini lebih terarah kepada perlawanan pertama menentang Singapura. “Saya sudah menyatakan sebelum ini, untuk memenangi kejuaraan lebih mudah daripada mempertahankannya. Sebagai tuan rumah, kita perlu berikan aksi terbaik. “Langkah pertama kita adalah untuk mara ke separuh akhir terlebih dulu dan penting untuk kita mencapai keputusan

RAJAGOBAL (tengah) belum mahu berasa panik meskipun skuad kendaliannya berdepan pelbagai kritikan ekoran aksi hambar pada perlawanan persahabatan. "MEREKA (Harimau Malaya) tidak bermain semata-mata kerana saya tetapi mereka berhempas-pulas kerana ingin mengharumkan nama negara." Demikian reaksi pengendali skuad Harimau Malaya, Datuk K. Rajagopal ketika diminta mengulas mengenai prestasi semasa skuad negara sebelum mengharungi kejohanan Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 semalam. Menurut Rajagobal, beliau sentiasa berbangga dengan barisan pemainnya yang terus gigih menjalani latihan dalam usaha mempertahankan kejuaraan Piala Suzuki AFF yang dimenangi dua tahun lalu. Jelasnya, beliau yakin anak-anak buahnya akan tampil dengan aksi lebih kemas serta bertenaga pada kejohanan tersebut. Harimau Malaya akan memulakan kempen menentang Singapura di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Ahad ini. "Sebagai jurulatih, saya perlu sentiasa memberikan motivasi kepada semua

PEMAIN negara gigih berlatih sebagai persiapan terakhir menjelang kempen Piala Suzuki AFF yang membuka tirainya di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Ahad ini. PRESIDEN Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), Sultan Ahmad Shah kecewa dengan prestasi skuad Harimau Malaya pada siri perlawanan persahabatan. Menurut baginda, prestasi tersebut agak membimbangkan menjelang Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 yang membuka tirainya di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, Ahad ini. Naib Presiden FAM, Datuk Hamidin Mohd. Amin berkata, baginda menyatakan kekecewaan itu ketika mengadakan pertemuan selama tiga jam dengan skuad kebangsaan di Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya semalam. “Semalam (kelmarin), Sultan Ahmad Shah berjumpa dengan skuad kebangsaan dan mengadakan perbincangan dari hati ke hati bersama pemain serta turut meluahkan kekecewaan terhadap prestasi pemain yang ditunjukkan dalam beberapa perlawanan persahabatan sebelum ini. “Bagaimanapun, baginda masih yakin dengan kemampuan skuad kebangs

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Nov (Bernama) -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) menjadi penyiar rasmi perlawanan Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 yang akan berlangsung di Malaysia dan Thailand, selaku tuan rumah bersama kejohanan itu, bermula Sabtu ini sehingga 24 Dis. Ketua Pengarah Penyiaran Datuk Norhyati Ismail berkata perlawanan pertama Kumpulan A antara Thailand dan Filipina pada Sabtu ini, akan disiarkan secara langsung pada 9 malam di TV1 manakala siaran tertunda Vietnam menentang Myanmar pada 1 pagi, 25 Nov. "RTM mendapat hak menyiarkan perlawanan Piala AFF Suzuki 2012, kita menjanjikan sukan yang terbaik itu adalah daripada RTM dan menjadi harapan kami untuk menyampaikan informasi yang terbaik dalam arena sukan. "Kita mengambil inisiatif ini untuk memberi suntikan semangat berterusan kepada skuad kebangsaan meraih kejayaan dalam setiap perlawanan sehingga mereka layak ke perlawanan akhir," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis perasmian RTM sebagai penyiar ras

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia clinched a quarterfinal berth at the Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Open in Kowloon, Hong Kong today. The top seed was given a tough fight by 25-year-old Ajay Jayaram of India before winning in straight sets 21-18, 21-19 in 35 minutes. Chong Wei will take on Vietnam's Nguyen Tien Minh who ousted Hsu Jen Hao of Taiwan 21-17, 21-12. Another national singles player Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif also made it to the quarterfinals after defeating Hu Yun from the host country, 21-17, 21-17. Currently ranked 42 in the world, Mohamad Arif is set to face a tougher opponent tomorrow in world number seven and sixth seeded Kenichi Tago of Japan. Malaysia's number two singles player Liew Daren however, failed to follow suit after being shown the exit by second seeded Chen Long of China 8-21, 13-21. In men's doubles, national top pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong became the first pair t

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Nov (Bernama) -- Pemain nombor satu dunia Datuk Lee Chong Wei menempah tiket ke suku akhir selepas menundukkan pemain India Ajay Jayaram pada Kejohanan Badminton Terbuka Hong Kong di Kowloon, Hong Kong, hari ini. Chong Wei, pilihan utama pada kejohanan itu, menerima tentangan sengit daripada lawannya berusia 25 tahun itu sebelum mencapai keputusan 21-18, 21-19 dalam masa 35 minit. Jaguh negara itu akan berdepan dengan Nguyen Tien Minh dari Vietnam pada perlawanan seterusnya. Turut mengiringi Chong Wei ke suku akhir ialah Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif apabila beliau menjinakkan pemain tuan rumah Hu Yun 21-17, 21-17. Bagaimanapun, Mohamad Arif, yang menduduki ranking ke-42 dunia, bakal menghadapi laluan sukar apabila bertemu dengan pilihan keenam, Kenichi Tago dari Jepun esok. Pemain nombor dua negara, Liew Daren gagal melepasi pusingan kedua apabila tunduk kepada pemain pilihan kedua Cheng Long dari China dengan 8-21, 13-21. Sementara itu, be

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Nov (Bernama) -- Pasangan Ooi Tze Liang dan Chew Yiwei merangkul perak dalam acara papan anjal 3m segerak di Kejohanan Terjun Asia di Dubai Khamis. Mereka mengumpul 336.33 mata di belakang Lin Jin dan Su Zewan, China, yang meraih emas dengan 399.57 mata. Jason Poon dan Chow Ho Wing dari Hong Kong membawa pulang gangsa dengan 322.95 mata. Sementara itu, dalam acara platform wanita 10m, peserta Malaysia Loh Zhiayi muncul di tempat keempat dengan mata 257.70. Peserta China Wu Shengping (385.30) dan Xing Yiying (358.50) masing-masing memenangi emas dan perak, sementra Fuka Tatsumi, Jepun meraih gangsa dengan 257.70 mata.

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Former Lazio striker Simone Del Nero has impressed Johor coach Fandi Ahmad and team management with his performance during a friendly match Wednesday. Fandi Ahmad, a former Singapore striker turned coach said though the former Italy Serie A player's fitness level has not reached 100 percent since recovering from injury, Del Nero was able to show his creativity and quality. "Del Nero gave a good account of himself in midfield with good vision, passing and creativity to set up Johor strikers to score goals in the friendly match," said Fandi, a prolific striker himself. In the match played at the Larkin Stadium in front of about 7,000 fans, Johor beat Singapore Malays Football Club 4-0. Del Nero, 31, who had played for Italy's Under-21 national side when Italy won the European Under-21 title, was the second foreign player signed by Johor after Daniel Guiza, a former Primera Liga player in Spain. Just like

NAJIB (berdiri, tiga dari kiri) meluangkan waktu menyaksikan sesi latihan skuad Harimau Malaya di Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya petang semalam. “BILA kita jatuh, kita bangun semula. Bila kita berjaya, kita lipatgandakan segala usaha,” Demikian amanat Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak kepada skuad Harimau Malaya ketika ‘turun padang’ menyaksikan sesi latihan di Wisma Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) di Kelana Jaya, petang semalam. Najib meluangkan masa bersama skuad kendalian Datuk K. Rajagobal itu untuk memberikan kata-kata pembakar semangat kepada pemain dalam misi mempertahankan kejuaraan pada kejohanan bola sepak Piala AFF Suzuki 2012. Najib yang turut ditemani Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, beliau tetap menaruh keyakinan kepada skuad negara selaku juara bertahan, sekali gus berharap para pemain akan bangkit pada aksi Piala AFF Suzuki yang bakal membukai tirai, Sabtu ini. Jelasnya, beliau juga berharap barisan

The under-fire national football team received a pleasant surprise when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dropped by to watch them train at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday. Najib also took time off from his hectic schedule to give the players a pep talk and motivate them ahead of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup championship, which Malaysia and Thailand will co-host from Nov 24-Dec 22. Malaysia are the defending champions. “You who don the national colours are special and the chosen ones … to uphold the image of the nation. So, don’t be discouraged when things don’t go smoothly but fight back with vengeance because the true hallmark of a champion is on how one bounces back from defeat,” Najib told the players. “In fact, the duty of the Prime Minister is similar to that of a footballer. If we achieve success, we’ll be applauded. But if we fail, we’ll be criticised. Take this as a challenge.” He said that the national team should not

National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal has issued an ultimatum to his under performing players: Buck up or pack up! He is willing to give them one last chance to prove their worth – win their AFF Suzuki Cup opener against Singapore on Sunday. Lose, and heads will roll, he promised. The team have come under fire for below par performances which have resulted in two defeats – 1-0 to Vietnam and 2-0 to Thailand – and two draws – 1-1 with minnows Hong Kong and Bangladesh. His ultimatum came following Tuesday’s draw with Bangladesh. “We didn’t get the desired result against Bangladesh and I’ll take stern action if we don’t get a positive result against Singapore,” warned Rajagopal. “I’m concerned with the team’s display … but we have four days to rectify it. Another below-par performance will force me to make drastic changes to the team.” Key players Mohd Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, S. Kunalan and skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim, who were in the team that won the

PETALING JAYA, 21 Nov (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yakin skuad Harimau Malaya mampu bangkit selepas persembahan kurang memberangsangkan pada siri perlawanan persahabatan bagi mempertahankan kejuaraan Piala AFF Suzuki 2012, bermula Ahad ini. Perdana Menteri berkata apa yang penting, setiap pemain perlu memberi komitmen seratus peratus dan percaya kepada kebolehan masing-masing. "Saya yakin dengan pemain dan jurulatih." "Bila kita jatuh kita kena bangun semula. Kalau kita berjaya kita lipat gandakan usaha," katanya ketika memberi amanat kepada Skuad Harimau Malaya di Wisma FAM di Kelana Jaya, di sini, Rabu. Sebelum itu, beliau meluangkan masa kira-kira 30 minit meninjau latihan skuad negara dan mendengar penerangan daripada pengurus pasukan Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal dan ketua jurulatih Datuk K. Rajagobal. Malaysia akan membuka tirai perlawanan Kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 menentang Singapura pada Ahad ini, berdepan Laos pada 2

  PETALING JAYA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that he is confident that the Harimau Malaya squad will rise up to the occasion in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament that gets underway on Sunday. The Prime Minister said what was important was that the players must give 100 per cent commitment to the task at hand. "I have full faith in the coach and players. When we fall we must rise up again. If we want to succeed we must redouble our efforts," he said in his pep talk to the squad at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya here Wednesday. Najib said it was a great honour for a player to be able to don the Harimau Malaya jersey. He likened it to his job as prime minister as all the hopes of all Malaysians were placed in him. "When we succeed we will be respected, when we fail we will be heavily criticised by the people. This is a challenge we have to take in our stride," he said. He said as Prime Minister he represented the government i

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The national soccer squad Harimau Malaya's performance in a number of international friendlies ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 which kicks off here Sunday has become a cause for concern because they are the defending champions. The squad under, under the guidance of national chief coach Datuk K.Rajagobal, appears to be still trying to find its rhythm. Their performance in their four "warm up" international friendlies in preparing for the Suzuki Cup, the most prestigious soccer tournament in the Asean region, is nothing to shout about. They started off on a bad note losing 0-1 to Vietnam and 0-2 to Thailand and were held to 1-1 draws by Asian minnows Hong Kong and Bangladesh. Malaysia are ranked 163rd in the world, Vietnam (138), Thailand (152), Bangladesh (171) and Hong Kong (172). This has got supporters questioning if the national squad can repeat the feat they achieved in Jakarta two years ago. Malaysia ar

KOTA BAHARU, Nov 21 (Bernama) - Norshahrul Idlan Talaha's departure seems like a forgone conclusion after Kelantan excluded the prolific striker from its players list for the 2013 season. Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa said Kafa unanimously agreed not to include Norshahrul (Mat Yo) in the list of 30 players who will join The Red Warriors. "We took into account Mat Yo's wish to unilaterally terminate his contract via a letter. As for Johor Football Association (PBNJ), it does not involve the contract but related to the player's transfer," he told reporters after parading three cups at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV here, Tuesday night. At the occasion, about 10,000 loyal supporters of The Red Warriors gathered to celebrate the treble by winning the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. Earlier, the three cups were presented to the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V at a dinner held in the compound of Stad

KUALA LUMPUR - Program pemulihan semangat selama tiga hari di Pulau Pangkor minggu lalu nampaknya tidak memberikan sebarang kesan. Persembahan Harimau Malaya semakin membimbangkan selepas hanya mampu seri 1-1 dengan Bangladesh pada perlawanan persahabatan terakhir di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil sebelum sepak mula Piala Suzuki AFF, Ahad ini. Bagaikan serba tidak menjadi, persembahan anak-anak buah Datuk K. Rajagobal yang semakin hilang punca menjelang lima hari perlawanan sebenar berdepan Singapura dengan tahap persefahaman antara pemain masih lemah dan kurangnya gerakan-gerakan menarik dapat disajikan oleh barisan serangan. Tambah menghibakan, di hadapan 3,000 penonton, gol penyamaan Bangladesh hadir ketika lawan beraksi dengan 10 pemain selepas Pranotosh Kumer Das dibuang padang pada minit ke-77 melalui sepakan penalti yang disempurnakan Md. Jahid Hasan Ameli pada minit ke-83. Keputusan seri 1-1 dengan pasukan yang berada di ranking 171 dunia itu pasti sukar d

KAWAL...Safee (tengah) dikawal ketat pemain Bangladesh.    APA lagi alasan ketua jurulatih Datuk K Rajagobal kali ini selepas menyaksikan Harimau Malaya seperti semakin ‘tenat’ apabila pasukan juara Asia Tenggara itu sekadar seri 1-1 menentang Bangladesh dalam aksi persahabatan antarabangsa di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil malam tadi. Skrip sama diulangi ketika seri dengan Hong Kong minggu lalu dengan kesilapan pemain pertahanan di minit akhir meragut peluang Malaysia mendapat kemenangan moral menjelang sepak mula Piala Suzuki AFF Ahad ini. Selepas percubaan pertama penyerang Norshahrul Idlan Talaha di depan gol pada minit kedua tersasar, permainan kemudian ternyata hambar. Kesilapan sama seperti mudah kehilangan bola dan gerakan kurang tersusun masih lagi membelenggu pemain negara sedangkan mereka hanya berdepan Bangladesh yang lebih terkenal dengan sukan kriket. Tiada percubaan tepat ke arah gol dalam tempoh 24 minit permainan sehinggalah tandukan Khyril

Failed attempt: National striker Safee Sali (No. 10) fails to score with a tame shot in the friendly against Bangladesh at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yTuesday. The match ended 1-1. — M. AZHAR ARIF / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The national team dished out yet another pathetic display and were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Bangladesh in a friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. Winger Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambry headed Malaysia into the lead in the 24th minute but plucky Bangladesh equalised seven minutes from time through a Mohd Jahid Hasan Ameli spot kick. And Bangladesh’s equaliser came just five minutes after their were reduced to 10 men when Pranotosh Kumer Dass was sent off for a second bookable offence. The match was national coach Datuk K. Rajagopal’s last chance to get things right before the AFF Suzuki Cup kicks off on Sunday. Yet, the team again failed to stamp their mark against the minnows, who are ranked 171st

PETALING JAYA: National coach Datuk K. Rajagopal has played down his side’s chances of defending the title in the AFF Suzuki Cup, which kicks off on Sunday. Could it be just mind games? Or is he telling it as it is? Rajagopal, who guided the national team to lift the Cup in 2010, claimed that the other teams in Group A – Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines – “are the favourites” in the biennial tournament. The national team have been under heavy fire after dismal showings in their last three warm-up matches – losing 1-0 to Vietnam and 2-0 to Thailand before drawing 1-1 with Hong Kong last Wednesday. “Yes, we are the defending champions but definitely not the favourites,” he said. “Thailand, Vietnam and even the Philippines are the favourites this time as they’ve had good preparations and results in warm-up matches. “I can’t promise we’ll win the tournament. Nothing is certain in life and, in football, you cannot give guarantees. I’ve never promised anything i

KHYRILL Muhymeen (tengah) sedang diasak dua pertahanan Bangladesh pada aksi persahabatan di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam tadi. SKUAD Datuk K. Rajagobal hampir malu besar. Lawan Bangladesh pun tidak boleh menang, inikan pula mempertahankan AFF Suzuki. Sudah tentu itu mesej yang cukup jelas diterima pengendali Harimau Malaya, Rajagobal semasa skuad kendaliannya sekadar seri 1-1 dengan Bangladesh dalam aksi persahabatan antarabangsa di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil malam tadi. Dengan hanya kurang 2,000 penonton hadir ke stadium, itupun sebahagiannya penyokong Bangladesh, tidak mustahil senario yang lebih kurang sama bakal berulang ketika aksi pembuka tirai Kumpulan B Kejohanan Piala AFF Suzuki menentang Singapura di stadium sama Ahad ini. Apa tidaknya, 'penyakit lama' Harimau Malaya yang sering kehilangan kawalan bola seperti mana ketika tumpas 0-1 dan 0-2 kepada Vietnam dan Thailand serta seri 1-1 dengan Hong Kong dalam tiga siri persahabat