Malaysian booters hold Indonesia to 0-0 draw

Malaysian booters hold Indonesia to 0-0 draw

JAKARTA (JP): Host Malaysia avenged its SEA Games loss to
Indonesia by holding the visiting team 0-0 in an Asian Cup battle
at Shah Alam stadium in Selangor on Saturday night.

Indonesia, which spoiled two golden goal opportunities during
the group IV qualifying round for the Asian Cup finals, blew its
chance to relive the glorious moment when it beat Malaysia 3-0 in
the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last year.

In the 74th minute, Ansyari Lubis blasted a hard kick into the
Malaysian side's upper goal post. Earlier, Rocky Puttirai missed
a golden opportunity when his shot went over an empty Malaysian
goal.

"The result gives us no idea as to which group IV team will go
to the final round," said Indonesian coach Danuriwindo.

Meanwhile, Malaysian team manager Dell Akbar could not hide
his joy.

"During the match we emphasized our defense. After we lost 3-0
in the SEA Games, it was indeed a good result," he said as quoted
by the Kompas daily yesterday.

Tonight, Indonesia will take on India while Malaysia still has
two more days before its match against India.

The group IV qualifying round is made up of three countries:
Malaysia, Indonesia and India. The winner of the group will go to
the United Arab Emirates for the December final, to which four
teams are currently assured of berths: the United Arab Emirates,
defending champion Japan, Saudi Arabia and China. (05)