SHAH ALAM: Malaysia lacked the creativity and fluency but it was enough to earn a 1-1 draw with Afghanistan in an international friendly at Shah Alam today.
Afghanistan dominated for long periods in the first half and deservingly scored a goal through left winger Noarollah Amiri in the 22nd minute.
Malaysia only found their rhythm in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
Hadin Azman, who came on for Syazwan Zainon, headed in the equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time before the breather.
In the 80th minute, Baddrol Bakhtiar had a clear chance inside the Afghanistan box but his shot was deflected off a defender.
National coach Kim Swee chose a new combination in defence with Fadhli Shas and Shahrom Abdul Kalam in the heart of defence along with Nazirul Naim Che Hashim and Matthew Davies as wing-backs, and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in goal.
Shahrul Saad played holding midfielder, supported by Ahmad Fakri Saarani and Baddrol with Syazwan and Fazrul Hazli Kadri on the left and right flank, respectively.
Norshahrul Idlan Talaha earned his first start since March as a striker.
Syazwan and Fazrul were handed their first caps today while Malacca left-back Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee earned his as a substitute in the second half.