Malaysia head coach Pau Marti says a 1-1 draw with Auckland FC has provided his side with “a good test” ahead of their upcoming friendly international against New Zealand.
The touring Harimau Malaya (Malayan Tigers) played A-League expansion club Auckland FC behind closed doors at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Friday.
Auckland took a first-half lead through fullback Francis de Vries before Nooa Laine levelled the scores on the hour mark.
Marti said Auckland FC were a “very, very strong club” that had invested a lot in good players.
“For us, (this) was a very good test, especially because we’re going to play against New Zealand, and we expect a similar game,” the Malaysian coach said.
The game was “very physical, very fast pace and very high intensity”.
Malaysia made nine changes at half-time and used 22 players during the game.
Go Media Stadium will be the home ground for Auckland FC, who play their inaugural A-League game against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, October 19.
Malaysia have been using South Auckland Rangers’ Rongomai Park as their Auckland training base ahead of Monday’s international at Albany’s North Harbour Stadium.
READ MORE: South Auckland Rangers host training camp for All Whites’ opponents >>>>
Main photo credit: FAM TV.
Watch Pau Marti’s interview
Result
Game played on Friday October 11, 2024
Malaysia 1 (Nooa Laine 59′)
Auckland FC 1 (Francis de Vries 25′)
Fixture
Game to be played on Monday October 14, 2024
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 7pm
This story was first published on October 12, 2024.
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