AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers: Malaysia 1-2 Lebanon

Malaysia got off to a bright start late in the first half when Mahalli Jasuli capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to put the home side ahead.

But after hitting the woodwork midway in the second half for the visitors, Ataya pounced on Malaysia’s defensive lethargy to find the net in the 80th and 94th minutes as Lebanon added to March’s 2-0 win over Hong Kong.

Lebanon controlled the contest for much of the first half, with captain Hassan Maatouk an influential presence in the middle of the park, and his defence-splitting pass in the 24th minute forced the Malaysia defence to scramble away a potential goal inside their penalty area.

Maatouk then forced Malaysia goalkeeper Khairul Azhan Khalid to turn his goal-bound effort over the crossbar 14 minutes later after the visiting captain had worked his way towards the edge of the area.

But after being pegged back by Lebanon for much of the opening half, Malaysia took the lead against the run of play two minutes before the break as Mahalli pounced on a spilled ball from Lebanon goalkeeper Mehdi Kahlil to slot home from inside the area.

The hosts, though, had to endure an early torrent of Lebanon pressure at the start of the second half as goalkeeper Khairul Azhan made a key stop in a goalmouth melee before the ball was finally cleared away to safety.

Ataya then gave notice of his ability to strike from distance when his long-range effort hit the bottom of the left post on 72 minutes. 

But Lebanon’s pressure would reap dividends eight minutes later when his curling shot from the right wing eluded everyone and sailed into the top corner to level the scores. 

And with the Malaysia defence tiring quickly, Maatouk put Ataya through on goal in injury-time and the midfielder beat a defender inside the area before firing into the net.