Matlan Marjan is a former professional football player from the state of Sabah, Malaysia. He is renowned for scoring 2 goals against England for Malaysia in a friendly match on 12 June 1991, the only Malaysian to have done so.[1] He has a younger brother, Zainizam Marjan who also played for Sabah FA and Malaysia.
Matlan is a Sabahan Bajau from Kota Belud, Sabah. He started his professional career by playing in the Presidents Cup.[2] He made his M-League debut in 1989 season by scoring 5 league goals. In 1990 season, he scored 8 (6 league and 2 FA cup goals) of Sabah FA total 16 goals.[3]
In 1991, Matlan earned his first call-up for the national team for a friendly match with Aston Villa. On 12 June 1991, he made his full international debut against England as he equalled the 35-year record of Toni Fritsch as the latest new cap to score twice against England.[4][5]
In 1995, he made history by becoming the first player from Sabah to captain the national team selection in the match against Flamengo XI.[6]
In the same year, Matlan, along with five other Sabah FA players, was arrested on suspicion of match-fixing scandal. Although the charges against the six were dropped[7] he was severely punished, thus ending his football career. He was banished to another district.[8]
