Chelsea's Didier Drogba scored a controversial winner and Israeli teammate Yossi Benayoun was booed by spectators during a preseason friendly in this Muslim-majority nation on Thursday.
Benayoun was the first Israeli in recent memory to play in Malaysia, which is a staunch supporter of the Palestinians and has no diplomatic ties with Israel. The midfielder was booed and jeered during his appearance for the first half of Chelsea's 1-0 win over a Malaysian XI.
Drogba, a second-half substitute, fired in a 78th minute free kick that struck both the post and goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi. The linesman flagged that the ball had crossed the line, sparking protests by the Malaysian team, which was made up of youth and professional players.
Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres had another quiet game for the Blues. He enjoyed the first opportunity of the match when he raced onto a through ball by Frank Lampard but was flagged offside.
A mix-up in the Malaysians' defense also allowed Lampard a free shot but he blasted wide.
Chelsea were denied two other chances when tackles from Malaysian centerback S. Subramaniam thwarted Salomon Kalou and then Torres.
Lampard had his best chance of the game in the 42nd minute after Kalou sliced open the Malaysian defense with a wonderful pass, but the veteran midfielder failed to connect with the ball.
Chelsea changed its entire line-up after the break, but despite the inclusion of John Terry, Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge failed to dent Malaysia's defense until Drogba's strike.
Chelsea will move on to Thailand next before playing two matches in Hong Kong on its Asian tour.
