Harimau run riot in AFC U-22 qualifying
Malaysia picked up their first win in qualifying for the AFC U-22 Asian Cup on Monday with a 7-0 trashing of Philippines in Group G at the Bogyoke Aung San Stadium.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Sabah youngster Rozaimi Abdul Rahman grabbed an impressive four goals to ensure Ong Kim Swee's men bounced back from Saturday's 3-2 loss to Korea Republic by picking up their first win of the campaign.
After Rozaimi had given Harimau Muda a third-minute lead, Fandi Othman doubled their lead in the 33rd minute before further strikes from Rozaimi and Wan Zaharulnizam gave them a four-goal lead at the break.
Despite being in a commanding position, Malaysia showed no signs of letting up after the break with Rozaimi grabbing another two goals, before D. Saarvindran grabbed a seventh to cap off a wonderful display.
Elsewhere, Korea Republic made it two wins from two with a crushing 8-1 win over Chinese Taipei and already look dead favourites to finish top of the group, while hosts Myanmar recorded a shock 3-1 victory over Vietnam.
The United Arab Emirates made it two wins out of two in Group A with a 1-0 victory over Turkmenistan, while Iraq stayed on top with a 2-1 win over India. Oman drew level on points with India after beating Lebanon 3-2.
Saudi Arabia and Syria continued their tie at the top of Group B with a 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan and a 2-1 victory over Palestine respectively, while Pakistan held Sri Lanka to a goalless draw.
In Group C, Kuwait picked up their first points of the campaign with a 1-0 win over Bahrain, Tajikistan beat Maldives 2-1, while Iran moved top with a 2-1 win over Qatar at the Hang Tuah Stadium.
China continued their perfect start in Group F with a 5-1 victory over Hong Kong, along with Korea DPR, who beat Laos 2-1, while Thailand bounced back from their loss to the North Koreans at the weekend with a 4-0 rout of regional rivals Cambodia.
Monday's AFC U-22 Asian Cup Qualifying Results
Group A
United Arab Emirates 1-0 Turkmenistan
Iraq 2-1 India
Oman 3-2 Lebanon
Group B
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Kyrgyzstan
Syria 2-1 Palestine
Pakistan 0-0 Sri Lanka
Group C
Bahrain 0-1 Kuwait
Iran 2-1 Qatar
Tajikistan 2-1 Maldives
Group F
China 5-1 Hong Kong
Thailand 4-0 Cambodia
Korea DPR 2-1 Laos
Group G
Korea Republic 8-1 Chinese Taipei
Malaysia 7-0 Philippines
Vietnam 1-3 Myanmar