KUALA LUMPUR: The Harimau Malaya squad showed marked improvement in their second AFC Asian Cup match against Bahrain yesterday but were let down by their inability to finish chances and a disappointing showing from their naturalised players.
That is the view of respected coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim, who highlighted the fact that Malaysia does not have a true out-and-out striker in the squad.
The national team lost the match 1-0 after conceding a last-gasp strike from Ali Madan, mere seconds from the end of injury time (90+5 minutes).
Malaysia lost its opening match against Jordan 4-0 last week.
"They really improved and should have at least scored one goal in the first half," said Irfan when contacted today.
"Unfortunately we don't have a true 'No.9' in the squad. Paolo Josue did reasonably well but he is not a true striker.
"This is something we will have to work on in the future. It is best that we develop our own player and groom him to fill the role."
Irfan admitted that he was let down by the performances of some of Malaysia's naturalised players.
Natxo Insa (45th minute), Romel Morales (75th) and Mohamadou Soumareh (84th) were brought on in the second half.
"I was a bit disappointed with our 'mercenaries' (naturalised players)," he added.
"Some of them did well such as Josue but the others failed to make an impact when they were brought on.
"They failed to make any penetrating runs and did not even ask for the ball.
"I am not sure why they were brought on when they have not played much international games recently and we had other, arguably better, options on the bench."
Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli echoed Irfan's sentiments, adding that Malaysia should have at least got a point out of the match.
"I think (national coach) Kim Pan Gon's decision to go with five defenders was spot on. We were compact yet were still able to create a number of good chances in the first half," said Pekan.
"The team showed that they were going for the win. They looked ambitious.
"Unfortunately the substitutions made in the second half did not bring the desired impact and ultimately forced us on the backfoot.
"It then (second half) looked as if we were going for a draw.
"We could have got a draw but were a bit lax in defence in the final minute. There was nobody there to pick up the loose ball during the corner and Bahrain were able to score from a half-chance."
Pekan added that naturalised players should prove they are worthy of a spot in the national team.
"When they are given the chance to play they should take that opportunity to perform well," said Pekan.
"If they perform well, there will be no issues. If they don't do well, people will question their inclusion in the team."
Malaysia will face favourites South Korea in their final Group E match on Jan 25.