MIRI: With homeground advantage, Malaysia should be able beat Singapore in the return leg of World Cup 2014 qualifier tomorrow (Thursday).
Northern Sarawak Football Development chief coach, Pengiran Bala, is confident the national squad, under coach Datuk K Rajagobal, will able to redeem themselves, especially with the support of the home fans.
According to him, although the national team were defeated 5-3 by Singapore in the first leg last Saturday, they can still make amends in the return leg at Bukit Jalil.
“The national squad will have the advantage of local support – so it’s not impossible for them to show Singapore the door in the qualifying tournament.
“After all, the home side
did score three goals in the first round,” he said yesterday.
On the weak defence, Pengiran believed K Rajagobal had a plan to beef up the backline.
“During the first game, the national team gave away too much space for Singapore import strikers to roam.
“I believe this time around, the defence will able to shut out their opponents,” he added.
He said Malaysia needed to score quickly – preferably two goals in the early
minutes – and keep their composure throughout the match to turn the tide in their favour.
Singapore had come to Kuala Lumpur high hopes of qualifying – so Malaysia must be at their best to stop their opponents from across the Causeway, he added.