Kuching: Macau’s hero goalkeeper Ho Man Fai believes his side have achieved their immediate goals in the AFC Solidarity Cup Malaysia 2016 and will not feel pressure going into the final against Nepal on Tuesday.
The Macanese advanced to the final after beating Brunei Darussalam 4-3 in a penalty shootoutfollowing a 1-1 draw after extra time at Sarawak Stadium on Saturday.
Brunei took the lead through Shahrazen Said’s 27th minute strike but then went one-man down as Wardun Yussof was sent off on the 55th minute before Leong Ka Hang found an equaliser and Brunei held on to take the game through extra time and to penalties.
But Ho’s heroics undid Brunei, keeping out the 12-yard efforts from Rosmin Kamis and Maududi Kasmi as Macau’s four penalty takers all successfully found the back of the net, sending Tam Iao San’s side into the deciding game against Nepal who earlier had seen off Laos in their own penalty shootout.
“I’m happy with the results of this match and with our team efforts. The good thing is our target was to qualify for the semi-finals so we’ve met our target. Playing in the final is like a bonus for us.
“I do feel special tonight. I almost cried when we won the match and reached the final. It’s a very emotional and great moment for me and the team.
“I’m very happy and very excited. We can go to the field already having achieved our target, but that doesn’t mean we will take the final match lightly.
“In the upcoming final against Nepal, we feel confident because we don’t feel pressure. They are the favourites in the final and we will look to beat them of course.”
