PETALING JAYA: Malaysia coach Dollah Salleh has reiterated that his side still had the chance to beat Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 final second leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
The former Police coach was also confident that the huge local crowd that will turn up for tonight’s match would certainly give an additional boost for the players to perform at their best.
“I know the match against Thailand will not be easy since their players are physically strong in terms of stamina besides displaying a fast attacking games. However, since we will be playing on homeground, we must show something to our fans,” Dollah told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
The coach also revealed that he would be making a slight change for the match after influential playmaker Indra Putra Mahayuddin picking up a toe injury on his left leg.
Meanwhile, Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang remained optimistic about his team’s chances to secure their fourth title of the regional football competition as they had a two-goal advantage from the first leg played at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The former Thailand international, who is fondly known as ‘Zico’ for his style of play during his heyday, also stressed that he would retain the attacking style as what they had shown in the first leg.
“Tomorrow’s game would be a fantastic one. I was informed that the tickets for the match were sold out. We are still not safe despite bringing a two-goal advantage,” he said.
Kiatisuk also diclosed that he had decided to use the younger players for the match as he wants to prepare them for three major tournament next year – 2015 Sea Games in Singapore, 2016 Rio Olympics Games Qualifier and also the 2018 World Cup Qualifier.
“That’s why I want to give them a chance and I’m happy that they have done quite well in this year’s tournament. For me and also Dollah, winning the title is much more meaningful not as a former player but also as a coach of the respective teams,” he added.
Malaysia must overturn the two-goal deficit to have any hope of securing their second title after 2010, which was won under the tutelage of former international Datuk K Rajagobal.
Thailand emerged victorious in three previous editions – 1996, 2000 and 2002. — Bernama