Malaysia's Mohammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid's fine solo effort in the 64th minute was on target. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin

SHAH ALAM: A fracas between Malaysian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) players marred their friendly match at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.

Nonetheless, it was a morale boosting 2-0 win for Ong Kim Swee's boys before the Asian Games.

The ugly incident happened in the middle of the field when UAE players were unhappy with the proceedings and lost their temper.

Players from both sides, including the reserves, were embroiled in a melee.

However, Kim Swee will take some positives from the match, as his players showed good teamwork and approach.

A fracas between Malaysian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) players marred their friendly match at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday. Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin

The win will undoubtedly boost the national Under-23 team's confidence as they proved they were more than a match for the highly fancied Middle East side.

The Malaysians moved with purpose and eventually wrested control of the match.

Malaysia deservedly took the lead in the 27th minute through Safawi Rasid.

Malaysia goalkeeper Mohd Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim denied UAE the equaliser in the 39th minute when he came off his line to thwart UAE forward Zayadel Ameri.

UAE played better in the second half but yet again they found their defence breached again when Malaysia's Mohammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid's fine solo effort in the 64th minute was on target.