Malaysia coach Dollah Salleh has serious goal scoring concerns ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers, starting with Thursday's trip to Asian Cup semifinalists United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Group A.
After the goalless draw against Bangladesh in Saturday's friendly at the Shah Alam Stadium, the Malaysians have now scored just once in their last five matches. A first half strike by veteran striker Safee Sali in their first World Cup qualifier against Timor-Leste in the 1-1 draw on June 11 was the last time they found the back of the net.
Against Bangladesh, Nor Farhan Mohamed and Mohd Amri Yahyah started in offensive roles but Harimau Malaya could not find a way past the determined defence.
It was a gilt-edged opportunity for the home side -- who have slipped to 168th in the FIFA rankings following their dismal international performances -- to get back to winning ways against a side ranked two places lower than them and regain their confidence ahead of the arduous trip to the UAE.
However, Malaysia slipped up yet again.
In the second half, under pressure Dollah made three changes by sending in Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, S. Kumaahran and Baddrol Bakhtiar but the Malaysians still failed to break the deadlock.
Malaysia need to win in the UAE to be in the reckoning for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. They have only one point from their two matches, the second of which was a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Palestine at the Bukit Jalil stadium on June 16.