Soccer Extreme : Malaysia picked up a handsome 3-0 win over arch rivals Indonesia in the first-leg of the final in the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championships at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.Mohd Safee Sali (pic, number 10) was the toast scoring a brace in the 60th and 73rd minutes while substitute Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin scored the other goal in the 67th minute to give Malaysia a comfortable three-goal cushion for the second-leg final at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Malaysia had lost to Indonesia in the opening Group A match 1-5 in Jakarta on Dec 1.
Indonesia players also had to deal with the crowd, who were pointing laser lights at goalkeeper Markus Harison.Referee Toma Masaaki stopped the match in the 53rd minute, after Indonesia complained that the lights were being aimed at players while they tried to defend Malaysia’s free kick.
The game resumed after eight minutes.
Since the defeat the Malaysians have picked up momentum going three games undefeated - holding three-time winners Thailand (0-0), thrashing Laos (5-1) and knocking out defending champions Vietnam 2-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals last week.
Malaysia have never won the AFF series since the inaugural meet held in Singapore in 1996.
They made the final in 1996 but lost to Thailand 0-1. (globe/thestar)
Video, Malaysia vs Indonesia (3-0)
Goal Mohd Safee, AFF Suzuki Cup Final 1st Leg
Goal Mohd Safee, AFF Suzuki Cup Final 1st Leg
All Goals Full Highlights 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup Final 1st Leg