Pan Gon was pleased with his men's performance – world No. 130 Malaysia held higher-ranked world No. 91 Syria to a 2-2 draw in a friendly on Monday. This is a boost to the Malaysians' confidence as they prepare to face two Arab teams – Jordan and Bahrain – who are of similar strength in Group E in the Asian Cup. [FYI, South Korea is the fourth team].
Against Syria, Malaysia took the lead through Arif Aiman Hanapi (39) but the Qasioun Eagles hit back with a brace in the 70th and 74th minutes. Brazilian-born midfielder Paulo Josue ensured Malaysia would troop off the field on level terms with Syria by netting the equaliser in the 78th minute.
It was the second time Syria were held to a deadlock by the Malaysians.
Previously, the Arab side, coached by La Liga legend Hector Cuper, were held 2-2 by Pan Gon's men in a friendly in Chengdu, China, last September.
Pan Gon (right) said the result and performance against Syria augur well for their Asian Cup Group E opener against No. 87 Jordan on January 15.
After the Jordan match, Malaysia will take on No. 86 Bahrain on January 20 and No. 23 South Korea on January 25.
Only the champions and runners-up of each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will qualify for the last 16.
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