SHAH ALAM: Malaysia's 5-1 thrashing of Singapore in the quarter-finals of the Asia 7s Football Championship at EV Arena in Elmina, Shah Alam, has earned them a mouth-watering semi-final clash against defending champions Japan today.
A double from former national player Fandi Othman paved the way for
Sulaiman Hussin's charges to advance to the last four against favourites Japan, who beat India 10-1.
After Abdul Manaf Mamat, Ahmad Azriddin Rosli and Amer Saidin completed Singapore's misery with a goal apiece, Fandi was happy to play an important role in a
game new to him and his teammates.
"Having played mostly on the left in 11-a-side, I'm enjoying the more central role in the 7s.
"We need to focus on the semi-final, as Japan are a strong side, but nothing is impossible. We must stay disciplined throughout," said Fandi, who has netted five goals in four matches.
In the other semi-final, surprise package Hong Kong will take on the Philippines.
Hong Kong upset Brunei 2-0, while the Philippines continued their dominant run in the competition with a 10-3 demolition of Vietnam in the quarter-finals.
Hong Kong advanced to the semi-finals courtesy of a goal from Oscar Junior Medeiros in
the 24th minute before Ka Yuen Chung scored in the comeback period.
RESULTS
Q-Finals: Japan 10 India 1, Philippines 10 Vietnam 3, Malaysia 5 Singapore 1, Brunei 0 Hong Kong 2
TODAY' FIXTURES
Semi-finals: Japan v Malaysia (6.00pm), Philippines v Hong Kong (6.30pm).
* Matches at EV Arena in Elmina, Shah Alam.