Arif Aiman proud of Harimau Malaya after three clean sheets and a final missed on goals scored
The winger told FIFA the players are disappointed, but pointed to three group matches without conceding as one of the reasons for optimism.
News desk1 min read
Arif Aiman says he is proud of the Harimau Malaya players after the side missed the FIFA ASEAN Cup final on goals scored, in comments published by FIFA. The Johor Darul Ta’zim winger spoke after the 6-0 win over Singapore in Bandung on 1 October.
Indonesia beat Bangladesh 9-2 in Jakarta at the same time, and FIFA’s article says both sides finished the group on seven points with a goal difference of +9. Indonesia went through to the final because they had scored more goals.
Arif said: “Of course, the players are disappointed because we gave everything out there.” He accepted that Indonesia deserved their place, saying “we only missed out because they scored more goals.” He added: “Whatever happens, I’m proud of every player who took to the pitch today.”
He pointed to the defence as one of the reasons for optimism. “We went three matches without conceding a goal,” Arif said. He also told FIFA: “I think this is the best squad to take us forward.”
The tournament is not over for Harimau Malaya. As Group A runners-up, they play the third-place play-off against an opponent from Group B.
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StraitScore Desk
News desk
Written and checked by software before publication, and reviewed every day by a StraitScore editor after it goes live. Match facts are checked against StraitScore's own data; reported claims are checked only against what the named source actually said. Corrections: [email protected] — we aim to respond within two working days.
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