Captain Dion Cools says Malaysia’s 2-1 victory over Singapore lifts team morale

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — Malaysia’s 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Singapore in a Tier 1 international friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night has been described as a positive step forward by team captain Dion Cools.

The 29-year-old defender said that while Harimau Malaya were disappointed not to secure a clean sheet, the result showed the squad’s growing winning mentality and provided a strong platform to build on.

“I think there’s still room for improvement, and everyone can see that. The most important thing is that we are developing a winning culture. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t score more goals or keep a clean sheet, but overall, this is a good foundation and we’ll keep building for the next match,” he told reporters after the game.

Cools highlighted the need for greater efficiency in front of goal and sharper pressing as key areas for progress, ahead of Malaysia’s clash with Palestine at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, next Monday.

Malaysia got off to a strong start with Stuart Wilkin opening the scoring in the 26th minute, before Joao Figueiredo doubled the lead in the 55th minute. Singapore replied through Ilhan Fandi’s spectacular strike in the 72nd minute.

The win extended Malaysia’s unbeaten run under head coach Peter Cklamovski to four competitive matches, following two victories and a draw since he took charge earlier this year. — Bernama