Malaysia will reflect on hard-earned brownie points after returning from the Causeway Challenge in Singapore.
While Datuk Ong Kim Swee's men can count their blessings after a well-drilled performance in defence, Singapore will be left thinking that the 0-0 scoreline should have gone in their favour.
The Lions hit the woodwork twice in the first half, and did so again late in the game. While the draw did both sides no real favours in their AFF Suzuki Cup preparations, it did provide something to work on before their next friendlies on Tuesday.
Here are three thoughts from the game at Singapore's Sports Hub:
1. Ong's early call up pays dividends
The national coach's decision to call up his players for national training on Sept. 26 was justified, given that his defence displayed a manful performance to thwart the Singaporeans throughout the 90 minutes.
Eight players of the first 12 who reported for national camp were defenders, as the coach looked to rectify a backline who conceded three times in the first 21 minutes against Indonesia last month.
Malaysia kept their first clean sheet since the 2-0 win against Papua New Guinea in June.
Fullbacks Rizal Ghazali and Nazirul Naim did a commendable job in guarding Faris Ramli and Gabriel Quek, while Shahrom Kalam's last ditch tackle ensured Baihakki Khaizan did not pop up with a late winner. The defence, must however be prepared for a different test against Afghanistan on Tuesday.
2. Forwards have plenty of work to do
While the backline did a commendable job, the forwards failed to complement their efforts up front. There was little cohesion between the midfield supply-line and strikers, and the visitors were often limited to shooting outside the box.
Amri Yahyah and Hazwan Bakri each has shots saved in the second half, but that was as close as Malaysia came to breaking the deadlock.
Ong introduced Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Darren Lok in the second half to freshen things up, but with limited possession Malaysia had, both failed to make a big impact.
Former AFF Cup winner Norshahrul was often limited to the far corner on the right wing, while Lok had no more than five touches of the ball.
A proud moment to receive a national team call up last week. Game day today vs Singapore ��������
A photo posted by darrenlok14 (@darrenlok14) on
Ong needs a shake-up before the Afghanistan game at Shah Alam on Tuesday. Playing the English-born forward as feeder to Hazwan, who will get goals if gifted the opportunity, could be a possibility. The Malaysians have not scored more than twice since the 2-1 victory against New Caledonia in June, and Ong needs a remedy fast.
3. Bracing for more troubles ahead
Ong's post match conference was riddled with uncertainty about his players future, and recent history will completely justify his actions. "There are many things going on in Malaysia right now, retirements and injury. If I have the same group of players until the AFF Cup, I will groom them the best I can," said Ong, who wasn't sure if these crop are the ones he will have for the tournament proper.
Against Singapore, Malaysia clearly lacked the creative bite of Safiq Rahim, who retired with his Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) colleagues in July. In addition to the loss of Amirulhadi Zainal, S. Kunanlan and Aidil Zafuan,
Ong also only had his southern contingent for four days before Friday's match after JDT insisted on following the FIFA guidelines. If the former Harimau Muda coach is to get his players performing at their best in Yangon, he cannot deal with any more setbacks.