NORMAN Fegidero’s debut as interim coach of the Philippine men’s football team got off on the wrong foot last Wednesday night as the Nationals dropped a 1-2 decision to host Malaysia in a match marked by spotty officiating at the start of the Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Playing at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, the team’s hopes of giving Fegidero his first win soared when Justin Tabinas was credited with a goal in the 27th minute off a deflected kick that went into Malaysia’s net.
But the celebration was short-lived as the hosts equalized in the 45th minute through Syamer Kutty Aba, who scored just outside the box.
Muhammad Safawi bin Rasid converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute for the go-ahead goal after Matthew Baldisimo brought down Mohad Afix bin Fazail inside the penalty box.
“I’m very happy with my players that we fought a very good fight until the final whistle. I’m very proud of them. We had a very good chance in the first minute of the game,” said Fegidero, pointing to striker Patrick Reichelt being struck down inside the box early in the match but was ignored by the referee.
Fegidero said there were other occasions the Filipino booters should have been awarded a penalty “but that I cannot control.”
The Philippines will take on Tajikistan, which was upended by Lebanon 0-1 in the other match, in the battle for third place on Sunday.
