Rising star Jordon Ibe scored a fine goal as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw against Malaysia XI.
Liverpool ended their tour of Australia and the Far East with their only draw as a stubborn Malaysia XI held them 1-1 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Indeed, it was the hosts who enjoyed the better start and stunned Brendan Rodgers’ side with a well taken opener. Patrick Wleh, AKA Ronaldinho, held off Dejan Lovren before firing past Adam Bogdan with the outside of his boot.
But the lead only lasted 15 minutes before Jordon Ibe equalised with a stunning goal, cutting in from the right wing before ripping a shot into the roof of the net.
Lovren had enough chances to win it for the visitors, heading over at least three decent chances from set pieces but Liverpool fly home unbeaten having previously won 4-0 against the Thai All Stars, 2-1 against Brisbane Roar, 2-0 against Adelaide United and 7-0 against Felda United.
KEY MOMENTS
13’ – GOAL! Malaysia XI 1-0 Liverpool: Patrick Wleh holds of the attentions of Dejan Lovren before producing a great finish with the outside of his boot from to beat Adam Bogdan.
28’ – GOAL! Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool: Jordon Ibe produces a moment of magic, cutting in from the right on to his left foot before unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.
55’ – CHANCE LIVERPOOL: Henderson plays Origi in on goal but he opts to shoot instead of going around Khalid, who saves with his legs.
58’ – LOVREN SHOULD SCORE: Henderson’s cross is on a plate for the unmarked defender but he somehow heads over the bar.
60’ – LALLANA HITS THE WOODWORK: Liverpool close again and only a deflection off Bikina’s foot and the woodwork saves Malaysia.
MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATS
TALKING POINT
Liverpool need Benteke to fire. For all Liverpool’s endeavour, they lacked a decent striker on the night. Origi failed to work himself into enough decent positions and spurned his one good chance.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jordon Ibe (Liverpool): A real handful on the night and scored an absolute cracker.
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool: Bogdan 6, Clyne 6, Skrtel 6, Lovren 6, Moreno 6, Henderson 7, Lucas 6, Milner 7, Ibe 8, Lallana 7, Origi 6.
SUBS: Rossiter 6, Ojo 6, Maguire 6, Clearly 6, Chirivella 6.
Malaysia XI: Khalid 7, Azmi 6, Roslan 6, Junio 7, Bikana 7, Tie 6, Krangar 6, Basharudin 6, Akil 6, Partick Wleh 7, Charles 6.
SUBS: Yong 6, Hashim 6, Afif 6, Yahya 6, Bakhtiar 6, Christie 6, Kumaahran 6, Talaha 6.
Eurosport – Fraser Masefield – 7/24/15, 3:55 PM
