KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia produced an impressive second half display to record a comprehensive 3-1 win over Timor Leste in Tuesday's AFC Under-19 Qualifying Group F match at Paju Stadium in South Korea.
Striker Hadi Fayyadh Abdul Razak, Kelantan's President's Cup midfielder Nik Akif Syahiran and substitute Zhafir Yusof netted a goal each to hand Malaysia three points in their opening match.
"Opening matches are always tough. I am happy that my boys showed composure for the win. It was cold and my players took time to settle in," said national Under-19 coach Bojan Hodak on Tuesday.
Timor Leste, under Korean coach Kim Shin Hwan, dominated the first half and came close to scoring from three attempts.
In the 24th minute, Timor Leste midfielder Jeremias Baptista found space in the Malaysian penalty box and conjured up a powerful grounder but goalkeeper Azri Ghani parried the shot away.
Six minutes later, Joao Soares collected a A. Shivan Pillay poor clearance at the edge of the box, but the Timor Leste striker's shot sailed off the Malaysian far post.
Keeper Azri again denied Timor Leste by blocking Yohanes Gusmao's long range attempt in the 32nd minute.
Malaysia almost went ahead in their first on target attempt in the 38th minute.
Nik Akif's free kick into the Timor Leste penalty box was headed across goal by Shivan to teammate Akhyar Rashid but his close range shot was blocked by goalkeeper Frangenio Da Cruz.
In the second half, Malaysia were settled and troubled Timor Leste on several occasions.
Malaysia went ahead when Johor Darul Ta'zim II's Hadi Fayyadh raced into the box and rose high to head in Nik Akif's free kick from the right in the 52nd minute.
Hadi had a similar opportunity in the 66th minute, but this time Timor Leste keeper Frangenio was ready to save it.
However, Malaysia managed to get a second goal when Nik Akif lobbed the ball over Timor Leste keeper Frangenio from outside the penalty box after being set up by Hadi in the 68th minute.
Zhafir, who plays for Kedah's President's Cup team, extended Malaysia's lead with a powerful drive into the top corner past Timor Leste keeper Frangenio in the 77th minute.
Timor Leste netted a consolation when Filomeno Da Costa converted from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Malaysia will play Brunei on Saturday.