Games Tuesday 4 p.m. -- Thailand vs. Indonesia (women) -- Laos vs. Vietnam
6:30 p.m. -- Myanmar vs. Vietnam (women) -- Indonesia vs. Myanmar

BACOLOD - A Malaysian team out to regain long lost glory in the SEA Games men's football competition was off to a blazing start here last night.

Seeking to end a 16-year gold-medal drought, the Malaysians began their quest with a 5-0 bashing of the hapless Cambodian side before a good Monday crowd at the Panaad Sports Center.

The Malaysians simply outclassed the Cambodians in a Group A game marred by a near free-for-all in the first half and the disqualification of Malaysian striker Rudie Bin Ramli on a red card infraction in the final half.

The Malaysian side scored three goals in the first half with a complete lineup and added two more goals in the second even after the ejection of their second best striker.

Ramli also drew an automatic one-game suspension for the red card he incurred for verbal abuse on the referees.

Surendren Rasiah accounted for two goals while Ramli, Zairo Anuar Bin Salani and Mohd Fadzil Bin Shaari delivered the others.

Shaari and Cambodia 's Om Thavrak figured in a fight in the 20th minute that nearly escalated into a full-blown riot in full view of Cambodian prince Norodom Buddhapong.

However, the fight didn't prevent the Malaysians from completing the blowout in their first game under new coach Norizan Bin Bakar.

Bakar took over Hungarian coach Bertalan Bieskei who was sacked following the Malaysians' embarrassing 0-7 rout by the Thais during the pre-SEA Games tourney in Bangkok in September.

Malaysian sat on a 3-0 cushion at the half on goals by Rasiah in the 10th minute, by Salani in the 40th and by Ramli just before the opening half came to an end. Salani sent the appreciative Filipino crowd up on its feet with a booming looper from 20 yards that sailed past Cambodian goalkeeper Ouk Mic.

So outclassed were the Cambodians they were only able to make five attempts which were all easily foiled by the resolute Malaysian defense. (CF)

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